Exploration of Antimicrobial Activity and Antioxidant Potential of Loranthus cordifolius Plants From Mirpur Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Loranthus cordifolius is a parasitic plant, and its extracts are traditionally used in some cultures as antimicrobial and immunological medicines. Literature suggests that bioactive compounds produced by a parasitic plant could potentially be influenced by the host plant's own chemical composition, playing a role in the adaptogenic properties of the parasitic plant. In the present research, L. cordifolius shrubs were collected from host species Phyllanthus emblica and Juglans regia, and extracts were obtained using chloroform, petroleum ether, methanol, and water. The phytochemical profile, encompassing alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins, was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, revealing varying concentrations based on solvents and hosts. Extracts from L. cordifolius, particularly those from the P. emblica host, showed superior antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Notably, leaf extracts from L. cordifolius (Host P. emblica) exhibited effective results, including minimum inhibitory effect, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration, and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration. Activity indices were highest for extracts derived from the P. emblica host. Stem extracts from L. cordifolius plants (Host P. emblica) demonstrated higher DPPH scavenging effect, total antioxidant activity, and total phenolic contents. The study concludes that Loranthus cordifolius exhibits notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, suggesting its promising potential as a natural source for developing green medicines and alternative therapeutic agents.