Phytochemical profiling, assessment of in-vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of different parts of Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.)

Abstract

Introduction: The Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, or Phyllanthus emblica L., is well known for its diverse phytochemical makeup and therapeutic uses. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the phytochemical profiles, antibacterial properties, and in-vitro antioxidant activity of various parts of P. emblica, including leaves, fruits, and seeds. Methods: Maceration extraction was performed using ethanol, petroleum ether, acetone and sterile distilled water. The phytochemicals in the extracts were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively using standard laboratory techniques. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by antibacterial and antifungal in-vitro bioassays. Gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms were tested for antibacterial activity utilizing the agar well diffusion method. The antifungal activity against three fungus strains: Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Mucor spp. was assessed by diffusion method. Results: All three parts of P. emblica are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, vitamin C, carboxylic acids, reducing sugars, coumarins and quinones. Ethanolic leaf extracts recorded the highest flavonoid (32.24±1.87 μg QE/g) and tannin content (505.26±1.67 μg TAE/g), while aqueous fruit extracts had significant phenolic content (24.83±1.73 μg GAE/g). Alkaloids were most abundant in fruits (56.88±2.88 mg/g). Both assays revealed the highest radical scavenging potential in fruit ethanolic extract (IC50 value for DPPH assay = 130.649±0.918 mg/ml, IC50 value for ABTS assay = 266.178±0.777 mg/ml). Ethanolic fruit extracts exhibited the strongest antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones of 39.67±0.58 mm against S. aureus, 27.00±0.05 mm against E. coli, and 35.33±0.57 mm against P. aeruginosa. Antifungal activity was most pronounced against Fusarium spp., with growth inhibition percentage of 56.49% in ethanolic leaf extracts. Conclusions: The study emphasizes potential of P. emblica as a natural source of antioxidants and antibacterial agents while defending its conventional medical use.