In Vitro Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Potential of FlavonoidRich Fraction from Syzygium cumini Seed Coat
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic and antimicrobial potential of a flavonoid-rich fraction (FRF) obtained from the seed coat of Syzygium cumini. The flavonoid-rich fraction was prepared using solvent extraction followed by fractionation, and its phytochemical composition was confirmed by standard qualitative tests and total flavonoid content estimation. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using Pheretima posthuma, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The FRF exhibited significant, concentration-dependent anthelmintic activity, with reduced paralysis and death time at higher concentrations. In antimicrobial studies, the fraction showed notable zones of inhibition against all tested microorganisms, with maximum activity observed against Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC values further confirmed its inhibitory potential. The biological activities observed may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are known to disrupt microbial cell integrity and parasite metabolism. In conclusion, the flavonoid-rich fraction from Syzygium cumini seed coat demonstrates promising anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further in vivo and mechanistic studies are recommended to validate its clinical applicability.