International Journal of Pharmacological Research www.ssjournals.com ISSN: 2277-3312 Journal DOI:10.7439/ijpr IJPR Volume 5 Issue 3 (2015) 49 In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Studies of Primula Denticulata – An Important Medicinal Plant of Kashmir Himalaya Khaleefa Aslam *1 , Irshad A. Nawchoo 1 and Bashir A. Ganai 2 1 Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar- 190006, J&K, India. 2 Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, Srinagar- 190006, J&K, India. Corresponding author* Khaleefa Aslam Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar- 190006, J&K, India. E-mail: khaleefabhat@gmail.com 1. Introduction Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the intracellular capacity for removing ROS. It leads to excessive damage of all bio molecules like DNA, RNA, lipids, proteins etc [1] which can further initiate the development of many diseases such as ageing, atherosclerosis, lipofuscinosis, oxygen toxicity, cancer and liver injury [2, 3]. Antioxidants are compounds which inhibit oxidation, or free radicals induced oxidative damage and therefore are potential quenchers of free radicals or reactive oxygen species. Recent investigations have also revealed plant products as potential antioxidants against various diseases, induced by free radicals due to presence of these phytochemicals [4]. These phytochemicals in plants also react with other organisms in the environment, inhibiting bacterial or fungal growth hence responsible for the antimicrobial activity of plants [5]. These substances are considered as basis for developing new antimicrobial drugs as they inhibit pathogens and have little toxicity to host cells. Primula denticulata Sm., locally known as Doker-neej (Kashmiri) and Drumstick Primula (English), of family Primulaceae, grows wild in Kashmir Himalaya and bear remarkable medicinal importance [6, 7]. The chemical profiling of Primula denticulata (Indian anti-snake venom plant) showed presence of Primetin-19 (5, 8-dihydoxyflavone) which posses strong sensitizing properties and is a powerful contact allergen [8]. Pharmacological studies indicate that the extracts of genus Primula are rich in saponins and phenolic glycosides [9]. Primula veris is an effective ABTS (2-azino- bis3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) free radical and superoxide anion radical scavenger, and has total reducing power and metal chelating activities on ferrous ions activities [10]. Investigation Abstract Objective: To evaluate in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial activity and phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of leaves of Primula denticulata- an important medicinal herb of Kashmir Himalaya. Methods: Phytochemical study was performed by using various standard phytochemical methods. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was assessed by employing different in vitro assays such as DPPH free radical scavenging assay, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and Lipid per oxidation assay. Calf thymus DNA was monitored by TBARS formation. The results were compared with standard antioxidant (α-tocopherol). Antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by agar well diffusion method. Results: DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity revealed plant extract to be active radical scavenger. P.denticulata extract dose dependently inhibited the MDA formation or lipid per oxidation and as such might intercept the free radical chain of oxidation. The leaf extract also prevents calf thymus DNA from oxidative damage induced by hydroxyl radical generated by FeSO 4 and H 2 O 2 in Fenton reaction using agrose gel electrophoresis. The ethanolic extract showed anti-microbial activity which was visible as the zones of inhibition formed in the different cultures of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of P.denticulata plays an important role in the intonation of oxidative stress. As this analysis is a groundwork study, a detailed study is needed which will provide more information on the active principles responsible for their pharmacological properties and may also lead to the development of novel drugs which may act as possible antioxidants for biological systems susceptible to free radical-mediated reactions. Keywords: Primula denticulata, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, phytochemicals