Abstract

Hydroalcholic and aqueous extracts of Echinophora platyloba D.C were screened for their possible antioxidant activity by β-carotene-linoleic acid and antibacterial effects using the microdilution method for Alcaligenes faecalis, Serratia marcescens, Providencia rettgeri andListeria monocytogenes. Total phenols, flavonols and flavonoids were determined colorimetrically. In the β-carotene-linoleic acid system, oxidation was effectively inhibited by aqueous extract. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for ethanolic and aqueous extracts was in between the range of 31.25 and 62.5 mg/ml. Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) was between 31.25 and 250 mg/ml for ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Total phenols were 138±3.25 mg/g and 230±3.26 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent, total flavonols were 132±3.87 mg/g and 88±3.3 mg/g and flavonoids were 127±1.63 mg/g and 92±3.26 mg/g Rutin equivalent, respectively. These findings indicate that different plant extracts can be used in food protection conservation and alternative for synthetic preservatives.

Key words: Echinophora platyloba, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, extract.