Original Articles
Dhatri Ramesh, Dhanya Ramesh,
Abstract
Leea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. (Leeaceae) is an evergreen large shrub having traditional uses worldwide. In the present study, we investigated antifungal and radical scavenging potential of leaf and bark extract of L. indica. The leaf and bark powders were extracted using methanol. Antifungal activity of extracts was evaluated against Colletotrichum capsici, Helminthosporium sp., and Curvularia sp. by Poisoned food technique. Radical scavenging activity of extracts was assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The content of total phenolics in extracts was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method. Leaf extract displayed marked antifungal effect when compared to bark extract. Among fungi, high and least susceptibility was shown by Helminthosporium sp. and Curvularia sp. respectively. Leaf extract scavenged DPPH radicals more efficiently than bark extract. Total phenolic content was also higher in leaf extract. A direct correlation was observed between total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity. Marked antifungal and radical scavenging potential of leaf extract might be attributed to the high phenolic content. The plant appears to be a promising source of bioactive principles with antifungal and antioxidant activity.