Study of Phytochemicals, Trace Elements and Antibacterial Activity of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn

Silybum marianum is a biennial herbaceous plant of family Asteraceae. It is used traditionally to treat both human and animal ailments in different parts of the world. Keeping in view the medicinal importance of this species, it has been selected for the present study. The phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents like alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, gums and mucilage, phenolics, reducing sugars, tannins etc. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has provided the details of various functional groups including amides, esters, aldehydes etc. with different peak values associated with the screened phytochemicals. The Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) analysis has shown the presence of elements like Potassium, Calcium, Chlorine etc. Phytochemicals and other elements are likely to be responsible for the medicinal potential of this species. It has also shown antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains.