Abstract

The present study explores the natural bioactive metabolites, antioxidant and antibacterial activities present in the host plants of Antheraea assamensis (muga silkworm) viz. Machilus bombycina (som), Litsea polyantha (sualu), Litsea salicifolia (dighloti) and Litsea citrata (mejankari). The methanolic extracts of leaves of these plants were screened for their phytochemical analysis and free radical scavenging activity using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl as the free radical. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, saponins, coumarins, terpenoids, tanins, cardiac glucosides and xanthoproteins in the said plants. The results of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity revealed Litsea polyantha to exhibit stronger antioxidant efficiency compared to the rest. Besides these, the plant extracts were investigated for their antibacterial assessment against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus suis and Gram-negative Pasteurella multocida and Escherichia coli bacteria found in pig. All the plant extracts were validated to possess antibacterial activity with variable potency. Litsea citrata was the most effective extract retarding microbial growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, followed by Litsea salicifolia, Litsea polyantha and Machilus bombycina. The present findings underscore the fact that indigenous food plants of muga silkworm are fortified with antioxidant and antibacterial efficiency, which might pave to the development of novel herbal pharmacological compounds for the medication of pig diseases.