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Introduction:Capsicum frutescens (L.) var. longum (Solanaceae) is a well used tropical and subtropical medicinal plant. The present study was undertaken to investigate proximate composition, antibacterial and anthelmintic activity of C. frutescens leaves. Methods: The leaf material was tested for proximate parameters namely carbohydrates, proteins, crude fibre, crude fat, ash and moisture. The powdered leaf material was extracted using methanol. Antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract was tested by agar well diffusion method. Anthelmintic activity of the methanolic extract was studied using Indian earthworm. Results: The protein, ash, crude fat and crude fibre contents were not appreciably high. The carbohydrate content was comparatively higher. Among microelements, iron was found to be in high concentration. Potassium content was found to be high than phosphorus. The methanolic extract showed dose dependent antibacterial and anthelmintic activity. Among the bacteria studied, S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to the methanolic extract followed by K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The anthelmintic effect of all concentrations was lesser when compared to standard. Phytochemical analysis revealed saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides and steroids in methanol extract. Conclusion: The leaves may be used as a good source of carbohydrates and other nutrients. The methanolic extract could be used in the treatment of bacterial and helmintic infections. The presence of various phytochemicals might be responsible for the biological potential of the extract. Further studies on isolation of constituents from the extract and their biological activities are under investigation. |
