Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Property of the Crude Extract from the Stem and

Leaves of A1ugbati (Basella rubra)

Ochoa, Gabriel Glenn G.a; Bangkilas, Jarrell A,b; Juguilon, Brent Louie M.b; Malanum, Mermia
Loure P.b
a
Faculty Research Promoter; Pharmacy Department; School of Natural Sciences; Saint
Louis University
b
Student Researchers; Pharmacy Department; School of natural Sciences; Saint Louis
University

Abstract

As the world continue to witness the development of infectious diseases and the progression of
antimicrobial resistance the study provides an exciting opportunity to advance the knowledge on
Basella rubra-a potential candidate for the discovery of new therapeutically active agents.
Plants have been the natural sources used in the formulation of many evolutional drugs. They
serve as therapeutic agents as well as a raw material for the manufacture of traditional medicines
and play a significant role in providing primary health care services to rural people. This study
identified the different active phytochemicals present in Basella rubra and determined its
antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. A series of phytochemical analysis
was performed on methanolic extracts of the leaves and stems of Basella rubra and it revealed
the presence of alkaloids, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols and
carbohydrates. The antimicrobial properties of the methanolic extracts of Basella rubra were
determined through paper disc diffusion and agar cup diffusion methods. Different
concentrations of the extract were tested against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Candida albicans, where mupirocin and miconazole were utilized as positive
controls. Results showed that the Basella rubra extract was more susceptible to S. aureus with
zones of inhibition of 17 mm and 17.66 mm, respectively; while P. aeruginosa had a lesser
antibacterial significance with 8 mm and 14.33 mm of zones of inhibition, respectively. The
extract was found to be very slightly effective against strains of Candida albicans with a
recorded mean diameter zone of inhibition of 10mm. It also showed that the methanolic of
Basella rubra has a very low antifungal activity (p-value = 0.002) as compared to the activity of
miconazole. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts were also determined through
spectrophotometric analysis using in-vitro stabilization test where methylsalicylate was used as
the positive control. Results showed anti-inflammatory activity of the extract (p-value = 0.477)
comparable with the standard drug, methylsalicylate. As inferred from the results, Basella rubra
extract possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity.
KEYWORDS: Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Basella rubra