Antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytochemical investigation of Thuja occidentalis (Arbor vitae) leave extract

Various medicinal plants are common in use in India for the treatment of different diseases. Nowadays, drug resistance has emerged as a major problem for various infections, in such case plants can be used as alternative for the production of new medicine. Thuja occidentalis (T. occidentalis, Cupressacae) is a well-known medicinal plant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaf of T. occidentalis collected from Bhopal region of Madhya Pradesh. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of the leaves was assessed against DPPH and reducing power assay method using standard protocols and in vitro antimicrobial activity was done by well diffusion assay method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, tannins. The total phenolics content of leaves of methanolic extract was (0.125 mg/gm), followed by flavonoids (0.475mg/gm). The activities of all leaves extract against DPPH and reducing power assay method were concentration dependent.  The antimicrobial acuity of methanolic extract of leave against all microorganisms was concentration dependent manner but less than standard drug (Ofloxacin, Amphotericin B). The present study concluded that the crude extract of T. occidentalis is a rich source of secondary phytoconstituents which impart significant antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The findings of the present study will be helpful to phytochemists, pharmacologists and pharmaceutical industries.