The Pharma Innovation Journal 2018; 7(5): 176-182
ISSN (E): 2277- 7695
ISSN (P): 2349-8242
NAAS Rating: 5.03
TPI 2018; 7(5): 176-182
© 2018 TPI
www.thepharmajournal.com
Received: 20-03-2018
Accepted: 22-04-2018
Shakir Ullah
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Gul Jan
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Farzana Gul
Hazara University, Department
of Botany, Mansehra, Pakistan
Siraj Khan
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Maria khattak
Hazara University, Department
of Botany, Mansehra, Pakistan
Jan Sher
Hazara University, Department
of Botany, Mansehra, Pakistan
Hameeda bibi
Hazara University, Department
of Botany, Mansehra, Pakistan
Correspondence
Shakir Ullah
Abdul wali Khan University,
Department of Botany Garden
Campus, Mardan, Pakistan
Antifungal and phytochemical screening of selected
medicinal plants of Malamjaba, Swat, Pakistan
Shakir Ullah, Gul Jan, Farzana Gul, Siraj Khan, Maria khattak, Jan Sher
and Hameeda bibi
Abstract
The present study involves ten different medicinal plants Acacia Ailanthus altissima, Ajuga bracteosa,
Bergenia ciliate, Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album and Berberis lycium locally available in Swat
Malam jaba region of Pakistan. The leaves of the selected medicinal plants were washed, air dried and
then powdered. The methanolic, ethanolic and chloroform extracts of leaf samples were used for the
phytochemical analysis to find out the phytochemical constituents in the plants and antifungal activities.
The results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phlobatannins, saponins, phenols,
terpenoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides was found in methanolic and ethanolic extracts, while alkaloids,
phlobatannins and glycosides were found in the chloroform extracts. Flavonoids, carbohydrates,
saponins, phenols, terpenoids and protein were found present in chloroform extracts. The antifungal
activities showed that the most active among the plants was Ajuga bracteosa with 17.41 mm zone of
inhibition against Trichoderma followed by Berberis lycium against Verticellium with 17.37 mm zone of
inhibition, Bergenia ciliate against Verticellium with zone of inhibition of 16.62 mm. Ailanthus altissima
was most active against Acremonium with 14.50 mm of zone of inhibition.
Keywords: Antifungal activities; Phytochemical Screening; Swat; Pakistan
1. Introduction
Phytochemicals are primary and secondary compounds. Chlorophyll, proteins and common
sugars are included in primary constituents and secondary compounds have terpenoids,
alkaloids and phenolic compounds (Krishnaiah et al 2007) [17]. Terpenoids exhibit various
important pharmacological activities i.e., anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-malarial,
inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, anti-viral and anti-bacterial activities (Mahato & Sen, 1997)
[18]
. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemical, biologically active compounds found in
plants, which be responsible for health benefits for humans further these recognized to
micronutrients and macronutrients (Hasler &Blumberg, 1999) [14]. They protect plants from
damage and disease and contribute to the plant’s color, flavor and aroma. In common, the plant
chemicals that defend plant cells from environmental threats such as stress, drought, pollution,
pathogenic attack and UV exposure are called as phytochemicals (Gibson et al, 1998) [11].
Recently, it is clearly known that they have roles in the protection of human health, when their
dietary intake is significant. More than 4,000 phytochemicals have been cataloged and are
classified by protective function, physical characteristics and chemical characteristics
(Meagher et al, 1999) [20]. Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae), commonly known as the tree
of heaven is a decidious species native to the northern and central mainland of China,
Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan. Due to its ornamental characters, this species has been introduced
and naturalized in many countries of the world (Albouchi et al., 2013) [4]. Ajuga bracteosa
(Family: Labiateae) is a perennial herb with diffused branching and aroma and is distributed
from Nepal to Kashmir, sub-Himalayan tract, plains of Punjab and the upper Gangetic plains.
The herb is in use since ancient times and recommended in Ayurveda for the treatment of
rheumatism, palsy, amenorrhea and gout. It is also credited with astringent, tonic, stimulant,
febrifugal and diuretic properties (Anonymous, 1985) [7]. Bergenia ciliate belongs to the
family Saxifragaceae which have 30 genera and 580 species. B. ciliata commonly known as
hairy Bergenia is a perennial herb found between heights of 800–3000 m throughout the
temperate Himalayas from Southeast Tibet to Afghanistan. In Bhutan it is found in Deothang,
Mongar, Phuntsoling and Ha districts. (Ahmad et al. 2018) [2]. Amaranthus viridis L. belongs
to family (Amaranthaceae) commonly known as; Chowlai” is a wild vegetable and weed of
cultivation. In the warmer parts of the world Amaranthus viridis is distributed. In addition the
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whole plant possesses anti-pyretic and analgesic properties
and in traditional systems of medicine used for the treatment
of fever and pain respectively. A.viridis is possibly of Asian
origin but now a cosmopolitan weed in the tropical and
subtropical regions of the world, also ubiquitous faraway to
temperate regions (Ferdous et al., 2015) [26]. Chenopodium
album (Chenopodiaceae) is an annual shrub used as folk
medicine and widely grown in North America, Europe, Africa
and Asia. As therapeutic agents, it is used as laxative,
anthelmintic against round and hook worms, as blood purifier
in hepatic disorders, spleen enlargement, intestinal ulcers and
burns. Various bioactivities such as antifungal, antipruritic,
antinociceptive and hypotensive properties of crude and
isolated compounds from the plant justified its uses in
traditional medicine. The plant is very nutritious and rich in
protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, iron and
potassium content (Agrawal et al., 2014) [1]. Berberis lycium
belonging to family Berberidaceae is a high-value medicinal
plant with a known history of uses in folk medicine. It is used
traditionally for curing a broad range of human illnesses and
diseases in the Indian Himalayan region of Pakistan and India.
Its ethno medicinal uses include its use for treatment of
jaundice, diabetes, eye infections, fractured bones, internal
wounds, diarrhea, rheumatism, stomachache, and its use as a
general body tonic (Ali et al., 2015) [5].
Material and Methods
3.1 Collection of plant materials and Botanical
Identification
In the present study Ailanthus altissima, Ajuga bracteosa,
Bergenia ciliate, Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album
and Berberis lycium was collected in October, 2017 from
district Swat Malamjba of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
were collected and with the help of Flora of Pakistan Plant
were taxonomically identified and placed in the Herbarium of
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan.
3.2 Solvent system used
For the preparation of crude extract of the selected plants
methanol, ethanol and chloroform was used.
3.3 Crashing and filtration of the plant
The dried plant was powdered with the help of electric
grinder. The powder were kept in air tight plastic bottles for
further phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activities. 10
gm of plant powdered was retained in distinct conical flask
and 90 ml of solvent i.e. (methanol, ethanol and aqueous) was
added to the powdered separately. With the help of aluminum
foil the flask were covered and retained in shaker for 72 hrs
for the shaking purposes. After 72 hrs the extracts were
filtered with the help of Whatman filter paper and then
through filtration process plant extracts were removed
(Pirzada et al., 2010) [25].
3.4 Phytochemical analysis
The plant extract i.e. methanol, ethanol and chloroform were
tasted for the absence or presence of phytochemical
constituents’ like alkaloids, tannins, Phlobatannins,
flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, saponin, cardiac
glycosides, proteins, volatile oils, resins glycosides and
terpenoids (Soni et al., 2011) [32].
3.4.1 Alkaloids
For detection ofa alkaloids, a few drops of Wagner’s reagent
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(Potassium iodine) are add to 2 ml of all three methanol,
ethanol and aqouse extracts. The formation of reddish brown
precipitate showed the presence of alkaloids (Khandewal et
al. 2015).
3.4.2 Tannins
For the detection of tannins Ferric chloride test was done.
Ferric chloride (FeCl3) solution was mixed with all three
extracts separately. Formation of blue green coloration
indicated the presence of tannins. (Kokate et al., 2008).
3.4.3 Phlobatannins
In test tubes 0.5 ml of all the three extracts was taken
separately, added 3ml distilled water and shaken for a few
minutes then 1% aqueous hydro chloride (HCl) was added
and boiled on water both. The presence of phlobatannins is
indicated by the formation of red color (Wadood et al., 2013)
[35]
.
3.4.4 Flavonoids
For flavonoids detection, all the three extracts were treated
with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. red precipitation
formation of indicate the presence of flavonoids (Kokate et
al.,2008) [16].
3.4.5 Carbohydrates
For detection of carbohydrates, 0.5 ml of all three extracts
were treated with 0.5 ml of Benedict’s regent. The solution
were heated for 2 minutes on a water bath. By the formation
of reddish brown precipitate the presence of carbohydrate was
confirmed (Bussau, et al., 2002) [8].
3.4.6 Phenols
For phenol detection, 2 ml of ferric chloride (FeCl 3) solution
was added to 2 ml of all the three extracts in a test tube
separately. Formations of deep bluish green solution showed
the presence of phenol (Dahiru et al., 2006) [10].
3.4.7 Saponins
For the detection of saponin, in test tube 5 ml of all three
extracts were shaken vigorously. The formation of froth
indicated the presence of saponins (Rajesh et al., 2016).
3.4.8 Cardiac Glycosides
For cardiac glycosides detection, 2 ml of all three extracts
solution were shaken with 2 ml of glacial acetic acid than
added few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid (H 2SO4) and
iron tri chloride (FeCl3). The formation of a brown ring
indicated the presence of glycosides (Soni et al., 2011) [32].
3.4.9 Proteins
Xanthoproteic test: For the detection of protein, 1 ml from
of all three extracts were treated with 1ml of concentrated
nitric acid (HNO3) solution. The presence of proteins
indicated by the formation of yellow color (Rajesh et al.,
2016).
3.4.10 Terpenoids
Salkowski test: One ml the selected plant extracts (methanol,
ethanol and aqouse) was added with 2 ml of chloroform and
carefully added concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) along the
sides of tube to form a layer. The formation of reddish brown
coloration indicated the presence of terpenoids (Dahiru et al.,
2006) [10].
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3.4.11 Glycosides
For the detection of glycosides, 5% of Ferric chloride solution
and 1 ml glacial acetic acid were added to 5 ml of all three
extracts and then further addition of few drops of concentered
sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The presence of glycosides was
conformed through the formation of greenish blue color
(Rajesh et al., 2016).
3.5 Anti-fungal activity
3.5.1 Media preparation for fungal growth
Dissolve 39 g of Potato dextrose agar (PDA) in 1litre of
distilled water, sterilized by autoclaved at 15psi (121oC) for
15 minutes. Cool to room temperature and pour into sterilized
Petri plates to solidify. Kept at room temperature to solidify
for 30 minutes.
3.5.2 Agar well diffusion method
Using the micropipette, 100μl of different fungal cultures in
sterile distilled water (SDW) was placed over the surface of
an agar plate and spread using a sterile inoculation loop.
Using a sterile cork borer, hole) were made in each of the
culture plates. 75μl of crude extract of selected plants were
added. The culture plates were then incubated at 37°C, and
the results were observed after 24 hours depending on the
fungal growth. The clear zone around each well was measured
in mm, indicating the activity of the plant extract against the
fungus. Each test was triplicated and standard deviation was
calculated. Agar well diffusion method was followed as
described by (Samie et al., 2010) [28].
3.5.3 Statistical analysis
All the tests were performed as individual triplicate
experiment. All the data are expressed as mean ± standard
deviation.
Results
3. Phytochemical analysis
In the present research work the both qualitative and
quantative phytochemical investigation of methanolic,
ethanolic and chloroform extracts of Ailanthus altissima,
Ajuga bracteosa, Bergenia ciliate, Amaranthus viridis,
Chenopodium album and Berberis lycium and anti-fungal
activity was carried out.
3.1 Qualitative Detection of Bioactive compound in the
leaves of the selected plants
Qualitative analysis of Ailanthus altissima, Ajuga bracteosa,
Bergenia ciliate, Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album
and Berberis lycium was carried out for the detection of
alkaloid, flavonoids, carbohydrate, phlobatannins, glycosides,
saponins, phenol, terpenoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and
proteins. The results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids,
carbohydrates, phlobatannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids,
tannins, cardiac glycosides was found in methanolic and
ethanolic extracts, while alkaloids, phlobatannins and
glycosides were found in the chloroform extracts. Flavonoids,
carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, terpenoids and protein were
found present in chloroform extracts. In these results +++
indicate that the secondary metabolites present in highest
amount, the ++ indicated that the moderate level of
phytochemicals’ are present and the + indicated that low level
of phytochemicals are present in all these three extracts of all
the six plants (Table 1, 2 and 3).

Table 1: Qualitative Detection of Bioactive compound in the leaves of the selected medicinal plants in methanolic extracts
Phytochemical Ailanthus Ajuga Bergenia Amaranthus Chenopodium Berberis
S.NO
test altissima bracteosa ciliate viridis album lycium
1 Alkaloid ++ + +++ + ++ +
2 Flavonoids + +++ + +++ + ++
3 Carbohydrate +++ + +++ + + ++
4 Phlobatannins + ++ +++ + ++ +
5 Glycosides ++ +++ + + +++ +
6 Saponins +++ +++ + +++ + +
7 Phenol + + +++ +++ + +
8 Terpenoids + +++ + ++ ++ +
9 Tannins +++ ++ + +++ + +++
10 Cardiac glycosides ++ + +++ + ++ +++
11 Proteins ++ + +++ + ++ ++
Key: +++: present highest level, ++ showed moderate level, + showed low level

Table 2: Qualitative Detection of Bioactive compound in the leaves of the selected medicinal plants in ethanolic extracts
Phytochemical Ailanthus Ajuga Bergenia Amaranthus Chenopodium Berberis
S.NO
test altissima bracteosa ciliate viridis album lycium
1 Alkaloid ++ +++ ++ ++ ++ +
2 Flavonoids + +++ + ++ +++ ++
3 Carbohydrate ++ +++ ++ ++ + ++
4 Phlobatannins +++ ++ ++ + ++ +++
5 Glycosides ++ + ++ + ++ +++
6 Saponins ++ + +++ +++ ++ +
7 Phenol + ++ + ++ +++ ++
8 Terpenoids +++ ++ + ++ +++ +
9 Tannins ++ +++ ++ +++ + +++
Cardiac
10 +++ + ++ + +++ +++
glycosides
11 Proteins ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ++
Key: +++: present highest level, ++ showed moderate level, + showed low level

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Table 3: Qualitative Detection of Bioactive compound in the leaves of the selected medicinal plants in chloroform extracts
Phytochemical Ailanthus Ajuga Bergenia Amaranthus Chenopodium Berberis
S.NO
test altissima bracteosa ciliate viridis album lycium
1 Alkaloid ++ +++ + + ++ +++
2 Flavonoids ++ +++ ++ + +++ ++
3 Carbohydrate ++ ++ ++ +++ ++ ++
4 Phlobatannins + ++ + +++ ++ +++
5 Glycosides +++ + + + ++ ++
6 Saponins ++ + + ++ +++ +++
7 Phenol ++ +++ +++ +++ ++ +++
8 Terpenoids +++ + ++ +++ ++ ++
9 Tannins + +++ ++ ++ +++ ++
Cardiac
10 ++ +++ ++ +++ +++ ++
glycosides
11 Proteins ++ +++ ++ + ++ ++
Key: +++: present highest level, ++ showed moderate level, + showed low level

3.2 Antifungal activity of crude methanolic extracts of
selected plants against selected fungal strains
The results of antifungal activity showed that methanolic
Extract of all plants sample were active against all fungal
species and showed different range of zone of inhibition. The
most active among the plants was Ailanthus altissima with
16.80mm zone of inhibition followed by Bergenia ciliate
against Trichoderma with 16.77 mm zone of inhibition,
Berberis lycium against Acremonium with zone of inhibition
of 16.13 mm. Ajuga bracteosa was most active against
Pythium with 16.17 mm of zone of inhibition. Chenopodium
album showed 17.33 mm zone of inhibition against
Verticellium, Bergenia ciliate showed 13.82 mm inhibition
zone against Verticellium while Ajuga bracteosa showed
14.41 mm zone of inhibition against Trichoderma. The data
are shown in table (4).

Table 4: Antifungal activity of crude methanolic extracts of selected plants against selected fungal strains
Plant Alternaria Acremonium Verticellium Pythium Trichoderma
Ailanthus altissima 5.49± 0.11 16.80± 1.89 12.84± 0.53 14.67± 1.10 11.65± 1.45
Ajuga bracteosa 10.43± 0.88 15.52± 0.192 13.56± 0.48 16.17± 0.53 14.41± 0.32
Bergenia ciliate 10.50± 0.58 11.19± 0.63 13.82± 0.87 8.17± 1.01 16.77± 1.53
Amaranthus viridis 9.79± 1.65 14.53± 1.129 7.83± 0.66 11.23± 0.96 12.12± 1.33
Chenopodium album 14.30± 1.25 11.47± 0.87 17.33± 0.95 14.27± 0.22 10.06± 0.67
Berberis lycium 9.10± 1.00 16.13± 0.88 10.77± 1.86 14.00± 1.87 13.00± 1.08

3.3 Antifungal activity of crude ethanolic extracts of
selected plants against selected fungal strains
The results of antifungal activity showed that ethanolic
Extract of all plants sample were active against all fungal
species and showed different range of zone of inhibition. The
most active among the plants was Ajuga bracteosa with 17.41
mm zone of inhibition against Trichoderma followed by
Berberis lycium against Verticellium with 17.37 mm zone of
inhibition, Bergenia ciliate against Verticellium with zone of
inhibition of 16.62 mm. Ailanthus altissima was most active
against Acremonium with 14.50 mm of zone of inhibition.
Chenopodium album showed 18.27 mm zone of inhibition
against Pythium, Bergenia ciliate showed 16.62 mm
inhibition zone against Trichoderma while Ajuga bracteosa
showed 14.41 mm zone of inhibition against Trichoderma.
The data are shown in table (5).

Table 5: Antifungal activity of crude ethanolic extracts of selected plants against selected fungal strains
Plant Alternaria Acremonium Verticellium Pythium Trichoderma
Ailanthus altissima 8.89± 0.13 14.50± 1.37 11.44± 0.53 9.67± 1.84 13.65± 1.75
Ajuga bracteosa 10.33± 0.65 11.12± 0.145 13.00± 0.47 17.17± 0.78 17.41± 0.56
Bergenia ciliate 14.80± 0.38 10.89± 0.83 16.62± 0.47 11.17± 1.65 15.77± 1.78
Amaranthus viridis 10.76± 1.75 19.33± 1.37 9.93± 0.64 14.23± 0.89 14.12± 1.53
Chenopodium album 13.50± 1.45 15.57± 0.87 11.83± 0.67 18.27± 1.67 14.06± 0.23
Berberis lycium 10.00± 1.67 15.23± 0.48 17.37± 1.83 9.00± 1.34 11.00± 2.08

3.4 Antifungal activity of crude chloroform extracts of
selected plants against selected fungal strains
The results of antifungal activity showed that chloroform
Extract of all plants sample were active against all fungal
species and showed different range of zone of inhibition. The
most active among the plants was Chenopodium album with
18.87 mm zone of inhibition against Acremonium followed by
Berberis lycium against Pythium with 18.10 mm zone of
inhibition, Ajuga bracteosa against Verticellium with zone of
inhibition of 18.27 mm. Ailanthus altissima was most active
against Verticellium with 16.54 mm of zone of inhibition.
Amaranthus viridis showed 18.23 mm zone of inhibition
against Verticellium, Bergenia ciliate showed 11.87 mm
inhibition zone against Trichoderma. The data are shown in
table (6).

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Table 6: Antifungal activity of crude chloroform extracts of selected plants against selected fungal strains
Plant Alternaria Acremonium
Ailanthus altissima 5.49± 0.16 13.30± 1.59
Ajuga bracteosa 14.73± 0.85 13.12± 0.162
Bergenia ciliate 10.70± 0.52 7.49± 0.63
Amaranthus viridis 7.36± 1.56 18.23± 1.129
Chenopodium album 16.60± 1.21 18.87± 0.87
Berberis lycium 9.00± 1.43 11.28± 0.88
Discussion
The present results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids,
carbohydrates, phlobatannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids,
tannins, cardiac glycosides was found in methanolic and
ethanolic extracts, while alkaloids, phlobatannins and
glycosides were found in the chloroform extracts. Flavonoids,
carbohydrates, saponins, phenols, terpenoids and protein were
found present in chloroform extracts. The most active among
the plants was Ailanthus altissima with 16.80mm zone of
inhibition followed by Bergenia ciliate against Trichoderma
with 16.77 mm zone of inhibition, Berberis lycium against
Acremonium with zone of inhibition of 16.13 mm. Ajuga
bracteosa was most active against Pythium with 16.17 mm of
zone of inhibition. Chenopodium album showed 17.33 mm
zone of inhibition against Verticellium in methanolic extracts.
In ethanolic extracts the most active among the plants was
Ajuga bracteosa with 17.41 mm zone of inhibition against
Trichoderma followed by Berberis lycium against
Verticellium with 17.37 mm zone of inhibition, Bergenia
ciliate against Verticellium with zone of inhibition of 16.62
mm. Ailanthus altissima was most active against Acremonium
with 14.50 mm of zone of inhibition. Chenopodium album
showed 18.27 mm zone of inhibition against Pythium, in
chloroform the most active among the plants was
Chenopodium album with 18.87 mm zone of inhibition
against Acremonium followed by Berberis lycium against
Pythium with 18.10 mm zone of inhibition, Ajuga bracteosa
against Verticellium with zone of inhibition of 18.27 mm.
Ailanthus altissima was most active against Verticellium with
16.54 mm of zone of inhibition. The phenolic compounds are
the groups of plant metabolites (Singh et al., 2007). They
possess biological properties such as, antiaging, ant
inflammation, and cardiovascular protection (Han, et al.,
2007). Flavonoids are wide range of phytochemical with
various pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-
inflammation, anti-platelet, anti-allergic, cytotoxicity, reduce
risk for heart disease or cancer etc (Asif et al., 2013).
Flavonoids are potent water soluble antioxidants and free
radical scavengers, which prevent oxidant cell damage have
strong anticancer activity (Okwu et al., 2007, Salah et al.,
1995). Flavonoids in intestinal tract lower the risk of heart
disease. As antioxidants, flavonoids from these plants provide
anti-inflammatory activity (Okwu, 2004). The plant extracts
were also revealed to contain saponins which are known to
produce inhibitory effect on inflammation. Saponins have the
property of precipitating and coagulating red blood cells.
Some of the characteristics of saponins include formation of
foams in aqueous solutions, hemolytic activity, cholesterol
binding properties and bitterness (Sodipo et al., 2000). The
saponins are used in hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia,
antioxidant, anticancer, anti as inflammatory activity and
weight loss (murugan et al., 2014). Saponins act as
antimicrobial activity and extremely cold blooded animals,
but toxicity to mammals is low (Verma et al., 2013).
Alkaloids have the analgesic, antispasmodic and antibacterial
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Verticellium Pythium Trichoderma
16.54± 0.38 10.77± 1.35 14.35± 1.85
12.00± 0.86 18.27± 0.94 13.61± 0.72
18.52± 0.67 10.47± 1.04 11.87± 1.53
9.73± 086 11.73± 0.93 10.32± 1.03
11.13± 0.45 15.17± 1.29 11.16± 0.57
16.37± 1.16 12.00± 3.70 18.10± 1.08
(Malik et al., 2017) [19] properties. Alkaloids have been used
as both antibacterial and antidiabetic properties and useful for
such activities. Phenols and phenolic compounds have been
extensively used in disinfections and remain the standard with
which other bacterisides are compared (Akinyeye et al., 2014)
[3]
. Glycosides are known to lower the blood pressure. Tannins
are also known antimicrobial agent. Tannins (commonly
referred to as tannic acid) are water soluble polyphenols that
are present in many plant foods. Tannins are water soluble
plant polyphenols that precipitate proteins. Tannins have been
reported to prevent the development of microorganisms by
precipitating microbial protein and making nutritional protein
unavailable for them (Sodipo et al., 1991) [30]. The growth of
many fungi, yeasts, bacteria and viruses was inhibited by
tannins (Chung et al., 1998). Phytotherapatically tannin
containing plants are used to tract nonspecific diarrhea,
inflammations of mouth and throat and slightly injured skins
(Gogoi, &Islam, 2012). Variety of proteins have been isolated
in medicinal plants and found to be bioactive against certain
ailments (Tsao et al., 1997) [33].
Conclusion
The selected six medicinal plants are the main basic source of
the phytochemicals i.e., alkaloids, tannins, Phlobatannins,
flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, saponin, cardiac
glycosides, proteins, glycosides and terpenoids. Medicinal
plants play a key role in preventing several diseases. The anti-
bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiuretic, anti-viral,
anticancer, anti-malarial and anti-fungal activities of the
medicinal plants are due to the presence of the above present
phytochemicals. Medicinal plants are used for screening and
discovering of the secondary metabolites which are very
useful for the production of new medicine. The
phytochemical analysis of the medicinal plants are also
important and have commercial interest in both
pharmaceuticals companies and research institutes for the
formation of the new medicine for treatment of several
diseases.
Acknowledgement
We thank Dr. Gul Jan My Supervisor (Department of Botany,
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan) for their
support during conducting the research work.
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