Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Achyranthes Aspera Leaf Extract and Its Effect on Gall Bladder Stones

In recent years, bacterial infections are increasing due to emergence of antibiotic resistance. Oxidative stress and gall bladder stones also pose a great health threat to millions. This study attempted the assessment of antibacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-gall bladder stones activity of an important medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera methanolic leaf extract. Anti-bacterial activity was performed by disc diffusion method. Significant susceptibility was observed against gram positive bacteria than gram negative strains. Anti-oxidant activity was studied in terms of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging potential with ascorbic acid as standard. Highest DPPH scavenging activity for A. aspera and ascorbic acid was 59.21% and 92.41%, respectively. IC50 value was 472.93 μg/ml for A. aspera and 1.4965 μg/ml for ascorbic acid. Effects of A. aspera leaf extract on gall bladder stones were also investigated. 2.0 mg/ml extract concentration showed the highest amount of cholesterol release (39.69 mg/dl) and the highest amount of dry weight reduction (2.3 mg) from gall stones. Morphological changes like color change and fragility in gall stones were also observed at concentrations higher than 1.5 mg/ml.