Evaluation of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal along with in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of highly anti-oxidant rich flower of Ixora Coccinea

Abstract

Ixora coccinea flower also known as rongon, a perennial plant belonging to the family Rubiaceae, is used as phytomedicine to treat a number of chronic diseases including ulcer, inflammation, bronchitis, anemia, diarrhea, microbial infections, and skin infections. For exploration of pharmacological activities, the preliminary phytochemicals screening of the flowers are needed to reveal the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. In vitro experiments on the methanolic flower extract of Ixora coccinea have likely revealed several bioactive chemicals with potential health benefits. Phytochemical screening identified compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols, known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The extract's Total Phenolic content was 20.18 μg GAE/mg, and Total Flavonoid content was 21.49 μg QAE/mg, indicating a significant presence of these compounds, which are effective against free radical damage. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC of 25 mg/ml and a zone of inhibition of 0.7 cm, and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger with an MIC of 50 mg/ml. These dual antibacterial and antifungal properties suggest broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential, useful for treating infections like throat, skin, and urinary tract infections. Anti-inflammatory studies using heat-induced hemolysis, hypotonicity-induced hemolysis, protein denaturation assay, and proteinase inhibitory effect showed IC50 values of 357, 288, 242, and 259 µg/ml, respectively, comparable to aspirin. This strong anti-inflammatory potential indicates the extract could be tested for treating degenerative disorders like arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.

In conclusion, Ixora coccinea flower extract shows promise as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent, warranting further in vivo studies to explore its full potential.