Abstract
The crude methanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis fruit and Emex spinosa leaves were examined for
antimicrobial and antioxidant potentialities. The phytochemical analysis revealed presence of some
bioactive principles, such as alkaloids, flavonoids and anthraquinones for E. spinosa and saponin,
flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids for C. colocynthis. The antimicrobial activities were determined
against seven bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris NCTC 8196, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 53651, Salmonella typhi NCTC
0650, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus cereus NCTC 8236) and one fungal strain
(Candida albicans ATCC 7596). E. spinosa leaf methanol extract was most active against fungus, while
C. colocynthis fruit methanol extract was most active against bacteria, particularly E. coli ATCC 25922
and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The antioxidant properties of extracts were investigated in vitro using
1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and in vivo in rats using serological
and enzymatic tests. Both plant extracts showed considerable antioxidant activities. The promising
findings of this investigation could be used as a novel natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.
Key words: Emex spinosa, Citrillus colocynthis, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity.
Abbreviation
DPPH, 1,1-Diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALP, alkaline phosphate; LDH lactate dehydrogenase; γ-GT, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase.
