Effect of Extraction Techniques and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Argemone mexicana L. Leaves and Roots Extracts in Different Solvents

Aim: The main objective of the study is to estimate the effect of extraction techniques and antimicrobial activity of different solvent extract of A. mexicana leaves and roots.

Study Design: The research is experimental in nature.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry and Microbiology at CCSHAU, Hisar, between late 2020 and January 2022.

Methodology: The leaves and roots of A. mexicana were harvested for this study. Shade dried roots and leaves were cut into small pieces of 2-3 inches and processed into powder using a mixer grinder. Soxhlet extraction and microwave-assisted extraction procedures were used to extract leaves and roots in solvents such as acetone, methanol, and water. The antimicrobial activity of the roots and leaves extracts were evaluated against Gram +ve bacteria (Xanthomonas campesteris, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal species (Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Candida albicans) and their zones of inhibition in mm are measured by Agar well diffusion method.

Results: Soxhlet extraction technique gave better extract yield 12.19 g /100 g and 8.54 g / 100 g while microwave-assisted extraction gave 8.88 g / 100 g and 6.94 g / 100 g for leaves and roots respectively. The methanoilc root and leaves extracts exhibited higher antimicrobial activity followed by acetone and water extracts.

Conclusion: The result of the investigation showed that extraction techniques considerably affected extraction yield and antimicrobial activity. Soxhlet extraction is better one extraction method among these two and methanolic extract of leaves was found to be good antimicrobial followed by acetone and aqueous.