Total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, antimicrobial and insecticidal screening of aqueous extracts of Annona squamosa (seeds), Azadirachta indica (leaves) and Lavandula angustifolia (flower)

The present study describes the total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, antimicrobial and insecticidal screening of aqueous extracts of Annona squamosa (seeds), Azadirachta indica (leaves) and Lavandula angustifolia (flower). The total phenolic content in the extracts was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and their amounts were found to be 0.045, 0.052 and 0.56 mg GA (gallic acid)/mg. The concentrations of flavonoids were found to be 0.98, 1.25 and 1.12 mg Qu (quercetin)/mg. The extract exhibited dose dependent inhibition of test bacteria. Search for natural insecticides, which are easily degradable and do not have any ill effects on the non-target population, remains one of the top priority issues for many countries. In this study, the aqueous extract have exhibited potent insecticidal activity. This finding suggests that Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica and Lavandula angustifolia may be considered as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.