Evaluation of Zanthoxylum armatum Roxb for in vitro biological activities

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Zanthoxylum armatum fruits are traditionally used as a spice.
• Limited scientific data exists on the bioactivities of Z. armatum fruit extracts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, phytotoxic, insecticidal, and anti-leishmanial activities of Z. armatum fruit extracts.
• To evaluate the potential of Z. armatum as a source of natural bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Agar tube dilution method for antifungal activity.
• Brine shrimp lethality assay for cytotoxicity.
• Lemna minor assay for phytotoxicity.
• Well serial dilution and direct contact methods for anti-leishmanial and insecticidal activities, respectively.

Main Results:

• Crude extract and fractions showed significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton longifusis, Microsporum canis, Aspergillus flavus, and F. solani.
• Cytotoxic effects were observed with LC50 values as low as 6.66 ± 1.1 μg/ml.
• Excellent herbicidal activity (>90% inhibition) and significant insecticidal mortality against Rhyzopertha dominica and Callosobruchus analis were recorded.
• Good anti-leishmanial activity with IC50 values of 50 ± 5 μg/ml for crude extract and n-hexane fraction.

Conclusions:

• Zanthoxylum armatum fruit extracts possess broad-spectrum biological activities.
• The plant shows potential for development into natural pesticides and therapeutic agents.
• Further research is warranted to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for these effects.