Abstract

Rhizomes of Heliconia rostrate, (family: Heliconiaceae) have been well known for antiophidic property. Ethnobotanically, rhizome of this plant have also been used to cure jaundice, intestinal pain and hypertension. This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potency of two extracts of rhizomes of H. rostrata to find out which exhibited better activity. Methanol and ethanol extract of the dried and defatted rhizomes were prepared and were subjected to qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytoconstituents, antioxidant assay and antibacterial evaluation. The methanol extract was found to give better yield than the ethanol extract. All phytoconstituents detected in the methanol extract were found in the ethanol extract also except for the glycoside content which was found only in the methanol extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was higher in the ethanol extract compared to the methanol extract, whereas total tannin content was higher in the methanol extract. Both ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial potency. The antioxidant activities of both extracts were found to be equal, while the ethanol extract exerted significantly higher antibacterial activity compared to the methanol extract.