ANTIMICROBIAL AND CELLULAR METABOLIC INHIBITORY PROPERTIES OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM THE BARK OF ‘LUNAS-BAGON’ (LUNASIA SP.)

Abstract

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 GC-MS analysis showed the presence of compounds that are known as antimicrobials and also effective in the treatment of selected health-related 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.