Attached
This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial
and cellular metabolic inhibitory properties of the ethanolic extract from
the bark of ‘Lunas-bagon’, Lunasia sp. Extracts were evaluated using the
agar well diffusion method for antimicrobial assay. The standard
phytochemical screening was done for the determination of compounds
that can be considered toxic and MTT assay for the effects of the extract
on cellular metabolism. Results showed that the extracts have ability to
inhibit selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates
indicating that the extracts are effective antibacterials. Results from the
MTT assay revealed at doses lower than 100.0 ug/ml, extracts will not
inhibit cellular metabolism of the splenocytes. Higher dose, however
shows reduction of metabolic activity which may indicate the onset of
apoptosis in cells. Basic biochemical tests indicated the absence of
cyanogenic glycosides and anthraquinones, thus the extracts may not
have toxic effects. Identification of bioactive compounds in through GCMS analysis showed the presence of compounds that are known as
antimicrobials and also effective in the treatment of selected healthrelated problems and conditions. The information generated in this study
clearly indicates that the folk medical uses of ‘Lunas-bagon’, Lunasia sp.
have antimicrobial and biochemical bases.
