Comparative evaluation of leaf and seed methanolic extracts obtained from Sophora tomentosa Linn. for phytochemical, phenolic content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Abstract

Sophora tomentosa Linn. (Fabaceae), also known as a yellow necklace pod, is a traditional medicinal plant widely used to treat dysentery and diarrhea. This study evaluated the biological activities of methanolic leaf and seed extracts of S. tomentosa. The total phenolic content of methanolic leave (STL) seed (STS) and dechlorophyll of leave extract (DSTL) showed 92.02 ±1.78, 38.48 ± 0.61, and 35.35 ± 2.45 mg GAE/g extract), respectively. For antioxidant activity, DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay was found in leaves (STL) more than in dechlorophyll of leave extract (DSTL) and seed (STS). The methanolic extracts were assessed for antibacterial activity against eight pathogenic bacterial species. The seed extract showed the most potent antibacterial activity against Kocuria rhizophila with 12.85±3.85 mm inhibition zones. For phytochemical evaluation, both leaf and seed extracts exhibited alkaloids and coumarin. The results showed that the leaf extract (STL) had higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic content than seeds and dechlorophyll of leave extract (DSTL). On the other hand, the seed extract presented the most potent antibacterial activity. The current study suggested that both leave and seed extracts of S. tomentosa gave the potential source of natural bioactive compounds, which will be further evaluated in other biological activities.