The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(1):13-19 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15102

Research Article

Comprehensive phytochemical screening and assessment of antibacterial and antifungal activities of Holarrhena antidysenterica bark extract

Kavyarani Rathod¹ , Jayasimha Rao^2,3 , Nirmala Kelmani⁴ , Chandrakanth Kelmani R¹

Kavyarani Rathod,Jayasimha Rao,Nirmala Kelmani,Chandrakanth Kelmani R

1. Department of Biotechnology, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi- 585106, Karnataka, India
2. Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24014 USA
3. Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
4. Shri Hingulambika Ayurvedic Medical College, Kalaburagi- 585106, Karnataka, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 24th January, 2026 / Accepted: 5th March, 2026 / Published : 28th March, 2026

Abstract

Background: Holarrhena antidysenterica is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Plant-derived antimicrobial agents have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives to synthetic drugs owing to the rising antimicrobial resistance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antibacterial and antifungal activities of the ethanolic extract of H. antidysenterica. Materials and Methods: Bark powder was macerated in 80% ethanol, and the resulting extract underwent qualitative phytochemical evaluation. Analysis revealed major groups such as alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins, whereas saponins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, proteins, and anthraquinones were not detected. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using the agar well diffusion assay against E. coli, and S. flexneri (MTCC strains) at extract concentrations between 50 and 200 µg/mL. Results: A clear dose-dependent inhibition was recorded, with the largest inhibition zone observed for E. coli (28 mm), followed by S. flexneri (24 mm) at 200 µg/mL, approaching the efficacy of standard azithromycin. The extract, however, did not display any measurable antifungal activity against C. albicans or A. niger. The antibacterial activity is due to the combined action of alkaloids, phenols, and tannins. Conclusion: These results support the traditional medicinal use of H. antidysenterica and indicate its potential as a natural antibacterial source for the development of plant-based antimicrobial agents.