Assessment of Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities of Different Fractions of Crude Extract of Stephania Japonica Stem

The different fractions of crude methanolic extract of stem of Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers was evaluated for antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. The various fractions of S. japonica Stem i.e. Ethyl Acetate (EAJS), CHCl3 (CFJS), CCl4 (CTJS) and Petroleum ether (PEJS) were subjected to free radical scavenging activity. In this investigation, CFJS showed the most significant free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 119.0μg/ml for S. japonica stem. Cytotoxic activity was investigated by brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. The LC50 value of sample CTJS (Carbon Tetrachloride fraction of S. japonica Stem), was 3.0μg/ml is highly most significant. Antibacterial activity was tested by disk diffusion method. The Carbon Tetrachloride soluble fraction showed good antibacterial activity against different species of bacteria at different doses. The Ethyl Acetate soluble fraction shows good activity only against E. coli at different doses. INTRODUCTION: The history of medicinal plants in remedy of different diseases is well established. Various species of different family of plant and other sources contribute in the development of present therapeutic processes. Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers (Menisperm aceae) locally known as Aknodi, Akonadi, Akondi, Fuit pata, etc., is a climbing shrubs distributed in widespread north from Eden, South Coast. also Qld and from India, throughout Asia to southern Pacific etc. Leaves and roots are bitter and astringent; used in fever, diarrhoea, urinary diseases and dyspepsia. QUICK RESPONSE CODE IJPSR: ICV (2011)5.07 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com Leaves are mounted on abscess and kept for bursting. Leaves are macerated in a glass of water and are taken after mixing with molasses to cure urethritis. Leaves are also given for gastritis in Khagrachari. Root paste is taken for vertigo and dysentery; root mixed with root juice of Flemingia stricta is taken for asthma; root paste is warmed and rubbed in hydrocele. Ethanolic extract of the leaf possesses wide range of good antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, no other biological activity has yet been reported. The objective of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of the different fraction of the crude extracts of stem of Stephania japonica (S. japonica). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant material collection and extraction: The stem of Stephania japonica was collected from Savar road side in December, 2010.