Abstract:
The present study has been conducted to evaluate the Phytochemical and efflux pump inhibitors
based herbs. These herbs Punica granatum, Rauwolfia serpentina and Rosmarinus officinalis have
been empirically used since centuries in traditional medicines for the treatment of various diseases
problems, but as far as ascertained no scientific work has established its real efficacy. Therefore,
the present research has been aimed to establish its real therapeutic value and safety for medicinal
purposes. Phytochemical screening of the Punica granatum, Rauwolfia serpentina and
Rosmarinus officinalis indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, protein,
saponins, glycosides and flavonoids. UV fluorescence of dry powders with various chemicals and
reagent directed the presence of fluorescent compounds The physicochemical contents of the
Punica granatum, Rauwolfia serpentina and Rosmarinus officinalis including ash values, total ash,
sulphated ash, loss on drying and extractive values obtained were found within the specified
official limits. Quantitative analysis of primary and secondary metabolites revealed that these
herbs consist of large amount of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. TPPC, TFC and TPC were
calculated by using linear regression equations of gallic acid, quercetin and BSA standard curves.
FTIR spectra shown that these herbs have contained methyl /aryl/ ketonic and carboxylic acid
along with some -OH groups due to the presence of some alcohols or phenols. HPLC analysis of
these herbs were performed against phenolic acids and flavonoids standards indicated the presence
of phytoconstituents. Antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH and FRAP assays which
exposed that these herbs possess promising radical scavenging activity and reducing power
antioxidant potential. The EPIs was determined by agar well diffusion assay and minimum
inhibitory concentrations against bacterial strains including Escherchia coli, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Enterococci and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results obtained were comparable to
controls. MIC was documented on the efficacy of these herbs lessen the growth of tested
pathogens. MIC values depicted that these herbs possess high antimicrobial potential. All above
findings indicated that Punica granatum had no significant impact on E. coli and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa but had moderate activity against efflux pump mediated resistance in Enterococci and
Klebsiella pneumoniae. Rauwolfia serpentina had negligible antibacterial properties.
Nevertheless, Rosemary was capable of inhibiting efflux pumps in Klebsiella pneumoniae, thus
making it a potential EPI.
