Phytochemical Studies, Antioxidant Properties and Antimicrobial Activities of Herbal Medicinal Plants Costus and Cidir Used in Saudi Arabia

摘要

Background and Objective: Greater use of antibiotics has led to high incidence of resistant bacterial strains infections and associated with increased side effects. The medicinal effect of each of costus and cidir was used as traditional medicine in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to evaluate antioxidant, total phenolic content and enhancement effect of Saussurea lappa and Ziziphus spina-christi on probiotic bacteria. Methodology: Total phenolic content, free radical scavenging, antioxidant as well as antibacterial and antifungal activities of costus (Saussurea lappa) and cidir (Ziziphus spina-christi) were evaluated in their aqueous extract. Enhancement of probiotic bacteria was investigated by culturing on De Man Rogosa and Shapes Agar Media. Results: The aqueous extract of costus (Saussurea lappa) is richer with phenolic compounds (80 mg g–1 dry weight) than cidir (62 mg g–1 dry weight) which induce pronounced antioxidant and anti-scavenging effect. Costus aqueous extract recorded enhancement effect on the growth rate of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus jensenii) than cidir (Ziziphus spina-christi). It also inhibited the growth of pathogenic Gram +ve bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea and Bacillus subtilis), Gram -ve bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). However, cidir (Ziziphus spina-christi) recorded remarkable effect against Aspergillus niger fungal strains. Conclusion: Each of the two extracts has pronounced effect on certain organisms that can be used as precursor for pharmaceutical drug.