Abstract:
Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) commonly known as “long pepper” is a well-known medicinal plant in ayurveda. Different parts of this plant, such as root, seed, fruit, whole plant etc. are traditionally used in various ailments. The methanol extract of leaves of Piper longum was subjected to evaluate phytochemical, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. In order to investigate the antioxidant activity, different complementary test systems, namely, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free radical scavenging, total phenolic, total tannin and flavonoid contents were used. Total flavonoids content was spectrophotometrically determined using aluminum chloride colorimetric assay while total phenolic and tannin content by Folin Chiocalteu’s reagent. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion assay. Phytochemical analysis of the extract indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Extract contains greater amount of total phenolic (93.94 mg GAE/g dry extract), flavonoids (44.15 mg QE/g dry extract) and tannin content (58.06 mg QE/g dry extract). Extract showed DPPH scavenging activity (149.92 μg/mL) that was comparable to standard ascorbic acid (25.42 μg/mL). In disc diffusion assay experimental extract showed potent antibacterial activity.
