Biological screening of Scrophularia nodosa extract and its fractions

Abstract

Biological screening of Scrophularia nodosa crude extract and its fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) was carried out on phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic activities. Crude extract and its fractions produced 50-100% phytotoxicity at 1000µg/ml concentration whereas 25-77% phytotoxicity was observed at 10µg/ml concentration. The fractions exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal effects. The non-toxic results of this plant were recorded in Brine Shrimps Bioassay method at all concentrations. Similarly no significant insecticidal activity was observed in crude extracts and fractions. Analgesic activity results of S. nodosa in mice were found highly significant in crude extract as compared to fractions. In writhing test crude extract at 500 mg/kg showed 65.6% highest inhibitory response in mice.