Chromatographic methods for isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules from medicinal plant Mesua ferrea Linn

Abstract

Partially purified fraction of methanol extract of leaf of Mesua ferrea Linn was assessed for its phytochemical screening. Thin layer chromatographic studies, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic activity and antioxidant activity experiments were conducted. Phytochemical screening reflects the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, emodins and quinone derivatives. Thin layer chromatographic study was carried out using solvent system of various polarities of n-butanol, acetic acid and acetone. TLC profiling shows pure band of peptide at 254 and 366 nm. Protein content was determined using nanodrop technique. Antimicrobial efficiency was determined using well diffusion method. Partially purified fractions of Mesua ferrea Linn was most sensitive against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Protease mirabilis with maximum zone of inhibition in diameter 16, 21 and 17 mm respectively at a concentration of 20 µg. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation (84.67%) membrane stabilization assay (73.6%) and proteinase inhibitory activity (90.62%). Aspirin was used as standard drug for the study of anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro antidiabetic activity was determined by α-amylase inhibition assay. Antioxidant activity was performed by reducing power assay. Fraction #3 has higher absorbance 0.94 at 500 µg/ml followed by fraction #2 absorbance 0.89 at 500 µg/ml.

Keywords: Mesua ferrea Linn, TLC, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic activity, phytochemical screening.