In vitro screening of antioxidant, free radical scavenging and antimicrobial potential of Micrococca mercurialis whole plant extracts

Abstract

Micrococca mercurialis is widely used for the treatment of sores, skin diseases, cold, fever, rheumatic pain, and infections. The present study aimed to study the antioxidant, free radical scavenging and antibacterial potential of different whole plant extracts (aqueous, ethanol, petroleum ether) of Micrococca mercurialis  by in vitro  methods.  The amount of phenols, tannins, flavonoids and Vitamin C were estimated by conventional methods. Free radical scavenging potential was assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays. HRBC membrane-stabilizing study was done to determine its anti-inflammatory property by in vitro method. Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were determined in Micrococca mercurialis extracts. The phytoconstituents in the extracts of Micrococca mercurialis were explored by GC-MS analysis. The extracts of Micrococca mercurialis exhibited varied in vitro antioxidant, free radical scavenging, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The GC–MS results confirmed the presence of twenty-nine phytoconstituents totally responsible for the biological activities of Micrococca mercurialis.  This pilot study has provided a scientific validation for the folkloric use of Micrococca mercurialis against many infections and diseases.