Pogostemon benghalensis (Phytochemistry and Biological activity)

Leaves of P. benghalensis were extracted successively with Petrolium ether, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate, Methanol and 50% aqueous methanol. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and the total sugar content in the leaf was determined. The antioxidant activity of Methanol and 50% Methanol extract of P. benghalensis were determined in terms of radical scavenging activity using stable radical DPPH. Percentage inhibition of DPPH radical against the samples were found out and IC50 values were measured. The antibacterial activity of P. benghalensis leaf extracts were studied against two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) by agar well diffusion method.