Phytochemical and biological screening of root extracts of Berberis baluchistanica

Current study aimed to evaluate phytochemical profile and various in vitro pharmacological activities of roots extracts (dichloromethane and methanol) of Berberis baluchistanica (Berberidaceae). Qualitative assays and thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods were performed to detect presence of various classes of phytochemicals. Data of phytochemical screening revealed presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins and saponins respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin-ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods and were found to have moderate qualities of these phytochemicals. Both root extracts were screened for antibacterial, cytotoxicity, antifungal, antileishmanial and anti-oxidant potential using variety of in vitro assays. Both extracts of B. baluchistanica showed no antifungal, antiglycation and anti-inflammatory activities. Both root extracts of B. baluchistanica showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . In anti-leishmanial assay 50% inhibitory value (IC 50 ) of dichloromethane extract was found to be52.4 ± 2.7 µg/ml. The antioxidant activity methanol extract showed better profile having IC 50 value of 230 ± 2.9 µg/ml and activity %RSA 53 with IC 50 ±SD (µg/ml) 280±2.9 in DPPH and superoxide anion scavenging assays respectively. Moreover, ROS production in human whole blood was also inhibited and IC 50 value was found to be18.7 ± 1.2 µg/ml. Altogether, data of current study shows for the first time medicinal importance of root extracts of B. baluchistanica