Comparative phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of Hairy roots and wild roots from Aerva javanica (Burm.f) Juss. ex Schult against selected pathogenic microorganisms

Transformed root culture in Aerva javanica was investigated for amassing of alkaloids. Leaves of A. javanica were used as establishing material for induction of hairy roots via the Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4 strain. Three hairy root lines from leaf explants upon growth kinetics were attained. Maceration method was used for preparation of different extracts viz. chloroform, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The extracts were examined against human bacterial pathogens by agar well diffusion method. According to our results, methanol extracts of hairy roots showed a significant antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens particularly Pseudomonas aerogenes (19.29 ± 0.23mm) followed by Bacillus subtilis (18.49 ± 0.43mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (18.49 ± 0.68mm) rather than wild root extract. Methanol extracts of hairy root sample inhibited pathogen development better than other extracts and also than wild root extracts. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, sugars and glycosides found only in methanol extract of A. javanica hairy roots. The results revealed that methanol extract of A. javanica hairy roots has potential activity than the other extracts as well as standard drugs (Spreptomycin). Further studies are needed related to pharmacological activities.