PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF BURCHELLIA BUBALINE

Abstract

Burchellia bubalina is an endemic, monotypic plant which is extensively used in traditional medicine. Extracts obtained from stems and leaves of Burchellia bubalina were evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory (COX-1 and COX-2) activities in order to detect potential new sources of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using micro-dilution assays against two Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and the fungus Candida albicans. The stem petroleum ether extract showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.39 mg/ml against both Gram-positive bacteria. The dichloromethane (DCM) extract of the leaf and stem showed MIC of 0.15 mg/ml and 0.39 mg/ml respectively against the fungus. The dichloromethane extract of the leaf had the best fungicidal activity at a concentration of 0.20 mg/ml. The petroleum ether and DCM extracts of both the leaf and stem exhibited good inhibition (> 70%) of prostaglandin synthesis in both COX-1 and COX-2 assays. The presence of comparable antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities in both the stem and leaf extracts of this plant is in line with the idea of substituting bark, root and stems with leaves. Leaves can be harvested sustainably while using this plant for medicinal purposes without the inherent survival threat associated with the over-harvesting of parts like roots and stems.