Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activity and antioxidant effect of Aruncus sylvester Kostel root and determine trace elements. Methods: The ethanol extract from Aruncus sylvester Kostel root was tested for its antibacterial activity against five common bacteria and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) by filter paper method. The effects of temperature, pressure, pH and ultraviolet light on the stability of the extract were also investigated. DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used for evaluating its antioxidant effect. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to determine the contents of trace elements such as iron, manganese, zinc and copper. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS16.0 software. Results: The MICs of the extract against the tested bacteria were different. The antibacterial activity of the extract exhibited an excellent stability under various external environments. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract for scavenging DPPH free radicals was 0.009 mg/mL. The content of iron was higher than that of other detected trace elements. Conclusion: Aruncus sylvester Kostel root has excellent antibacterial activity, antioxidant effect and plentiful trace elements, which will provide promising its exploitation and utilization value.

Key words: Aruncus sylvester Kostel, antibacterial activity, antioxidation, trace element