Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Activity and In Vitro Antioxidant Investigation of Methanolic Extract of Seeds from Helianthus annuus L.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of seeds from Helianthus annuus. The seeds of Helianthus annuus was collected, air dried and subjected to methanolic extraction and this extract was screened phytochemically for its chemical constituents. Using standard phytochemical analysis procedures, results revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids and fixed oils and fats. The methanol extract of seeds of Helianthus annuus was subjected to antibacterial and antifungal studies. Antibacterial results are compiled. The seed extract of Helianthus annuus showed high sensitivity to Salmonella typhi, moderate sensitivity to Staphyllococcus aureus and Vibrio cholera and less sensitivity to Bacillus subtilis. Antifungal results are compiled. The extract of Helianthus annuus showed high sensitivity to Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus fumigates, moderate sensitivity to Candida albicans and resistant to Fusarium oxysporum. In-vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic seed extract of Helianthus annuus was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The methanolic seed extracts of Helianthus annuus had shown very significant DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity compared to standard antioxidant. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract was increased with the increasing concentration. The results concluded that the seeds of Helianthus annuus extracts have a potential source of antioxidants of natural origin and have strong potential for use as natural antimicrobials in several applications requiring these properties. *Corresponding author