Antimicrobial and toxicity studies on Breynia disticha J.R.Forst. ForstG and Vernonia elaeagnifolia DC

The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemistry, toxicity and antimicrobial activity of the two plants Breynia disticha and Vernonia elaegnifolia. Tests for all the major secondary metabolites were carried out whereas acute toxicity studies on rabbits and cytotoxic studies on Artemia salina were performed. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using disk diffusion method. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and other important compounds in the two plants. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was found to be present in both plants. Both plants exhibited no toxicity in in-vitro and in-vivo assays. The present work thus proves the medicinal use of the two safe and potent plants.