Phytochemical, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Andrographis paniculata Nees. commonly known as Kalmegh, used to treat infections and some deadly diseases like hepatitis, diabetes, cholera leprosy etc. In the present investigation, solvents like, Ethanol, Chloroform, Methanol and Distilled water were used to extract the phytochemical content and it revealed the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, glycosides, steroids and alkaloids. In vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae by agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the Methanol extract had significant inhibiting activity followed by Chloroform extract whereas the aqueous extract showed least zone of inhibition. The antioxidant assay was done for the plant extract and free radical scavenging potential was assessed by measuring its capability for scavenging nitric oxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide radicals as well as its ability in reducing power capacity assessment. Chloroform extract showed noticeable effect in the reducing power capacity. Methanol extract showed highest effect in hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging assay.