Leaf extract of Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum screened for its phytochemical constituents and antibacterial and anticancer activities.

Objective: The study was formulated with the objective to assess phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activity and anticancer activity of Alpinia purpurata.

Methods: The leaves of A. purpurata were washed thoroughly by tap water, shade dried and powdered. The plant powder was extracted with successive solvent system. Phytochemical constituents were evaluated, antibacterial activity was carried out by disc diffusion method and anticancer activity of the ethyl acetate leaf extract was evaluated by using 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

Results: The ethyl acetate extract of A. purpurata showed most of the phytochemicals. The extract exhibited antibacterial activity with a zone of inhibition from 5 to 14 mm at various concentrations and the extract showed potential anticancer activity against PA1 ovarian cancer cell line at the 48 h with half maximal inhibitory concentration value of 110.25 μg/mL and exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in cell count for all the concentrations tested.

Conclusion: The present study scientifically proved that ethyl acetate leaf extract of A. purpurata is a good source of phytoconstituents, showing antibacterial and anticancer activities.