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In-vitro evaluation of Indigofera heterantha extracts for antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic activities

Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences volume 10, Article number: 7 (2024) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains cause several serious infections that can be fatal, such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae (often referred to as ESKAPE pathogens). Since ancient times, several indigenous medical systems in India have utilized diverse medicinal plants (approximately 80,000 species) as conventional treatments for a variety of illnesses. A member of the Fabaceae family, also referred to as “Himalayan indigo,” Indigofera heterantha Wall, is well known for its therapeutic properties.

Methods

The present study investigated the antibacterial, antifungal and antihelmintic properties of the roots, bark, leaves, and flowers of I. heterantha from the Kashmir Himalayas. The effectiveness of the extracts against bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. Three of the tested organisms for bacteria were ESKAPE pathogens, as they are responsible for creating fatal bacterial infections. The antifungal potency of I. heterantha aqueous and methanolic extracts was evaluated using the Agar Well Diffusion Assay. The antihelmintic activity was carried out on an adult Pheretima posthuma Indian earth worm, which shares physiological and anatomical similarities with human intestinal roundworm parasites.

Results

The methanolic extracts of root and bark have shown prominent activity against all bacterial strains, whereas aqueous extracts of flower, root, and leaves have shown promising activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The aqueous extract demonstrated good activity against S. cerevisiae at a concentration of 200 mg/ml with a zone of inhibition of 16 mm, while the methanolic extract displayed comparable activity against the fungal strains. The remaining two strains, P. crysogenum and A. fumigatus, were only moderately active in response to the extracts. All the extracts have shown anthelmintic activity except aqueous flower.

Conclusion

These results will pave the way for the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive constituents that may act as hits for further development as potential antibacterial agents against drug-resistant microbial and helminthic infections.

Introduction

Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains cause a number of serious infections that can be fatal, such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae (often referred to as ESKAPE pathogens). Antibiotics that are now available cannot be used to treat these infections. By 2050, if nothing is done, this will surpass cancer as the top cause of mortality [1]. Even in developed countries such as the US, such illnesses caused by drug-resistant microbes result in 23,000 fatalities each year. Similar conditions occur in Europe, but in the developing nations of Asia, such as Latin America, Africa, and India, they are considerably worse [2]. More concerningly, the pipeline for developing new antibiotic drugs has dried up, and the number of new antibiotics receiving clinical approval is falling. Finding new lead compounds with inventive modes of action that can counteract antimicrobial resistance is thus urgently needed. Additionally, natural products can be used to rationally design new lead compounds with enhanced potency against ESKAPE infections. Natural substances and medicinal plants have long been regarded as a primary source of medications to help humans [3, 4]. They are essential in the prevention of sickness and the treatment of different illnesses worldwide [5]. Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, monoterpenes, lipids (phytosterols, tocopherols, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids), and vitamins are among the many pharmacologically active components they are thought to contain [6]. Therefore, a significant portion of recommended medications—nearly 25%—come from medicinal plants [7]. For almost 80% of people in underdeveloped countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) views the traditional homoeopathic system as a basic kind of treatment [8]. The therapeutic and curative properties of medicinal plants have been attributed to a variety of phytoconstituents [9]. Since ancient times, several indigenous medical systems in India have utilized diverse medicinal plants (approximately 80,000 species) as conventional treatments for a variety of illnesses [10]. From medicinal plants used to make prescription medicines, over 25% of active principles have been discovered [11].

A member of the Fabaceae family, also referred to as “Himalayan indigo,” Indigofera heterantha Wall, is well known for its therapeutic properties. I. heterantha leaves are crushed, and the resulting extract is used to treat disorders that affect the internal organs [12]. Internal wounds, throat infections, diabetes, toothaches, and jaw swellings are all treated using the plant’s bark and leaves [13]. Hepatitis is managed using the entire plant [14]. As a vermifuge, branches and leaf extracts are employed [15]. Abdominal pain can be relieved by rhizome bark powder [16]. I. heterantha has also been noted to exhibit antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties [17].

Indigofera genus is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, lignins, tannins and alkaloids (Ghais uddin et al. 2011) [18]. Follwing compounds have been isolated from various species of the genus. For E.g. (Kaempferitrin C27H30O14I. arrecta) [19], Indigoidin C10H8N4O4I. pseudomonas [20], Indigotin, C16H10N2O2I. tinctoria [21] (Singh B et al., 2006). While some reported compound based on different geographical terrian as compared to our study have been extracted from seed of I. heterantha following compounds have been isolated and there structures have been obtained by mass spectrometry, Carbon 13 NMR and Proton NMR. Indigoferamide (S)-2-hydroxyN-((2S,3S,4R,E)-1,3,4-trihydroxyicos-16-en-2-yl)tricosanamide [22]. Indigoferate (Propyldotriacontanoate-C35H70O2), the compound has been obtained as white amorphous powder and has been found as moderate antibacterial agent. Indigoferone, 7-hydroxy-3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (C16H12O4), and has been found to have carbonic anhydrase inhibiting activity. Other compounds reported are Dotriacontanoic acid, Formononetin, Quercetin, Quercetin 3-α-L-fucopyranoside, 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-6,4’-dimethoxyflavone, 4-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and Two monoterpene glycosides [23].

The ether, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of seed extract of I. heterantha had shown anti-fungal activity aganist Microsporum canis and Fusarium Solani and hydromethanolic root extract of I. heterantha shown significant activity aganist HSV-2 both in-vitro and in-vivo done in Balb mice [22, 24]. Three new phloroglucinol type compounds Indigoferin-A, Indigoferin-B and Indigoferin-C, along with a known compound β-sitosterol were isolated from the Indigofera gerardiana Syn; I. heterantha Wall. The compounds show significant Urease inhibitory activity [25]. Ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract of the whole plant of I. heterantha have been subjected to column chromatography, three compounds (one lignin and two acylphloroglucinols) were isolated which had shown lipoxygenase inhibiting activity (Aziz Ur Rehman et al., 2005) [26].

The present study investigated the antibacterial, antifungal properties and anti-helmintic properties of the roots, bark, leaves, and flowers of Indigofera heterantha from the Kashmir Himalayas. The effectiveness of the extracts against bacteria was assessed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC1688), Escherichia coli (MTCC739), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC432), Salmonella typhi (MTCC3224), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 426), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC441) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96). Three of the tested organisms are ESKAPE pathogens, as they are responsible for creating fatal bacterial infections.

Materials and methods

Collection and identification of plant material

Indigofera heterantha is a deciduous shrub growing to 2–3 m (7–10 ft) tall and broad, young branches are angular, with slightly spreading white medifixed symmetrically 2-branched trichomes; stems are greyish brown, terete, with rounded lenticels, and covered in appressed medifixed trichomes. Dry, sunny slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 m in elevation, frequently creating dense brush, and in forests [27, 28]. I. heteroantha is a rather resistant plant; while temperatures between − 5 and − 10 °C might stunt top development, the rootstock is more resilient and can withstand temperatures as low as -15 °C most of the time [29]. Plants grow best in hot seasons with abundant sunshine, not flowering so freely in cool climates [30].

The I. heterantha employed in the study was obtained in Kashmir, India’s Gulmarg region of the Baramulla district during the month of June-July. Dr. Akhter H. Malik, a taxonomist with the Department of Botany at the University of Kashmir, recognized the plant at the Centre of Biodiversity and Taxonomy. A specimen of the plant was kept at the herbarium of the University of Kashmir’s Department of Botany in Srinagar under accession number 2325-KASH Herbarium. Roots, leaves, bark, and flowers were separated from the whole plant. For a period of two weeks, the plant material was dried in the shade. Dried roots, leaves, and bark were crushed into coarse powder by an electric grinder.

Experimental

All chemicals used for phytochemical screening were obtained from CDH chemicals Ltd. Mumbai and were of analytical reagents (AR) grade and reagents were obtained from Medsource Ozone Biomedicals Pvt. Ltd. Delhi. Antibacterial activity was performed under laminar flow cabinet. The reagents used for qualitative and quantitative phytochemical estimation of the plant were obtained from Himedia company. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via UV visible spectrophotometer.

Chemicals and Instruments

All chemicals were of highest purity (≥ 99.0%) and analytical grade. The chemicals used during the study includes Pet. ether, Methanol, Ethyl acetate, Acetic acid, AgNO3, Ammonia, AlCl3, CuSO4, Copper acetate, Diethyl ether, Ethanol, FeCl3, FeSO4, H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, Lead acetate, Magnesium metal strips, Mercury, Methanol, Na2CO3, NaCl, NaOH, n-butanol, Ninhydrin, Paraffin, Phloroglucinol, Picric acid, Hagers reagent, Wagners reagent, Dragendroffs reagent, Potassium dichromate, Potassium thiocyanate, Pyridine, Resorcinol, Sodium citrate, Sodium nitroprusside, TCA, Griess reagent, Potassium acetate, Glucose, Phenol, Gallic acid, AlCl3, Folin Ciocalteu reagent, Mueller Hinton agar (MHA), SDA, Fluconazole discs, Streptomycin discs, Xylene, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ascorbic acid.

The instruments used during the study include Incubator cum shaker, Hot air oven, Autoclave, Centrifuge, Desiccator, Digital weighing balance, Grinding mill, Oven, Rotary evaporator, UV-spectrometer, Laminar flow cabinet, Inoculating wire, Cork borer, Water bath, and general glass ware.

Extraction yield

The cold extraction method was used to remove the plant material. Methanol and distilled water were the solvents employed in the cold extraction process. A 5000 ml macerating flask containing an accurately weighed 600 g of dried powdered leaves was filled with a 1:4 ratio of extracting solvent, and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 48 h while being constantly stirred. Once the soluble matter had dissolved, the mixture was strained, the marc was pressed, and the combing liquids were clarified by filtering. With the use of a rotary evaporator operating at low pressure, the extract was concentrated, and the solid extract was kept in a refrigerator for later use. A similar procedure was used to extract leaves aqueously. However, 300 g of powder were taken in a 2000 ml macerating flask. After adding a 1:4 ratio of extracting solvent to a precisely weighed 600 g of dried Root powder, the contents of the 5000 ml macerating flask were left to stand at room temperature for 48 h while being constantly stirred. Once the soluble matter had dissolved, the mixture was strained, the marc was pressed, and the combing liquids were clarified by filtering. With the aid of a rotary evaporator operating at lower pressure, the extract was concentrated, and the solid extract was then kept in a refrigerator for later use. A similar procedure was used to extract Root aqueously. nonetheless, 300 g of powder were consumed in a 2000 ml macerating flask. A precise weight of 300 g of dry Bark powder was weighed and placed in a 2000 ml macerating flask. After adding an extracting solvent in a 1:4 ratio and agitating the contents of the flask frequently for 48 h at room temperature, the soluble matter was dissolved. The combination was then strained, the marc was pressed, and the combing liquids were clarified by filtering. With the use of a rotary evaporator operating at low pressure, the extract was concentrated, and the solid extract was kept in a refrigerator for later use. A similar procedure was used to extract Bark aqueously. However, 200 g of powder was taken in a 2000 ml macerating flask. 200 g of dried flower powder, precisely weighed, was placed in a 2000 ml macerating flask. After adding an extracting solvent in a 1:4 ratio and agitating the contents of the flask frequently for 48 h at room temperature, the soluble matter was dissolved. The combination was then strained, the marc was pressed, and the combing liquids were clarified by filtering. With the use of a rotary evaporator operating at low pressure, the extract was concentrated, and the solid extract was kept in a refrigerator for later use. A similar procedure was used to extract flowers using water. However, 50 gms of the powder was taken in a 1000 ml macerating flask. Using a cold extraction technique using an aqueous and methanolic solvent system, crude extracts of several I. heterantha components were made [31].

Qualitative phytochemical tests

Following the standard procedures described in the literature [32,33,34], the methanolic extracts of I. heterantha leaves, bark, roots, and flowers were subjected to qualitative analysis for secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac steroidal glycosides, proteins and amino acids, and carbohydrates.

Infrared analysis

Likewise, infrared (IR) spectra were captured using a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 2 MIR Spectrometer (L1600235). The IR spectra (KBr pellets) between 400 and 4000 cm-1 were recorded using a total of 10 images [35]. We recorded the FTIR spectra to search for potential functional groups [36,37,38].

Antibacterial activity

The bacterial strains used to evaluate the in vitro antibiotic activity of I. heterantha crude extracts were purchased from the Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) at Chandigarh, India’s Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH). Escherichia coli (MTCC 739), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 426), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 96), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC1688), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC441), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC432) are some of the species that are included. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts had their antibacterial activity evaluated using the Agar Well Diffusion Method. The Mueller Hinton Agar Well Diffusion Method was modified somewhat for use in the susceptibility tests. The bacterial strains were adjusted to a turbidity of 0.5 Mac Farland norm (108 CFU/ml) and suspended in sterile water after growing on nutritional agar for 18 h at 37 °C. The turbidity was measured using a UV spectrophotometer at 625 nm. Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) medium was prepared using tap water and sterilized in an autoclave at 121 °C and 16 psi for 14 min in the Agar Well Diffusion Process. After sterilization, the medium was added to clean Petri plates in the laminar hood, where the plates were left to harden. Using a sterile cork borer with a 5 mm diameter, wells were created in each Petri plate that were uniform and equally spaced. On the plates, a standardized inoculum was used to inoculate each test bacteria (0.1 ml) of (0.5 McFarland) and spread with a spreader. Plant extracts were loaded into various peripheral wells at different concentrations (10 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml). Each Petri plate had a positive control of gentamycin (10 mcg/disc), whereas a different Petri plate contained a negative control of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). For 18 to 24 h, the Petri plates were incubated at 37 °C in an incubator. Zones of inhibition were then looked for on the plates. The inhibitory zone diameters, which are measured in millimeters (mm), were used to determine the antibacterial potential.

Antifungal activity

To assess the in vitro antifungal activity of the fungal strains from the Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC), Chandigarh, India, crude methanolic and aqueous extracts of I. heterantha were utilized. These strains include Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC 170), Candida albicans (MTCC 227), Penicillium chrysogenum (MTCC 947), and Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 426). The antifungal potency of I. heterantha aqueous and methanolic extracts was evaluated using the Agar Well Diffusion Assay. Each test fungus was injected with 0.1 ml of standardized inoculum (0.5 McFarland), homogenized, and then placed into a sterile Petri plate at a constant depth of 4 mm on sterile molten Sabouraud dextrose agar media. The Petri plates were able to harden in the laminar hood. Using a sterile cork borer with a diameter of 6 mm, five wells were created on the periphery and one well in the center of each Petri plate. Plant extract in five different peripheral wells at concentrations of 10 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml totaled 40 l. A separate Petri plate had one well with nystatin (10 mg/ml) and fluconazole (25 mg/ml) inserted as a disc. In a different well, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide was used as a negative control. The plates were stored at 32 °C for 24 to 36 h. After incubation, the plates were examined for areas of inhibition. The antifungal potential was measured by measuring the widths of the inhibitory zones in millimeters (mm) using a standard measurement scale.

Anthelmintic activity

Experimental worms

Because the adult Indian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) share structural similarities with human intestinal roundworm parasites, these investigations were conducted on them exclusively. After being removed from the damp earth, they had a water wash to get rid of all the excrement.

Administration of albendazole

Using 0.5% w/v of CMC as a suspending agent, albendazole (20 mg/ml) was produced and administered in accordance with the extract technique.

Administration of extract

Using 0.5% w/v of CMC as a suspending agent, the suspension of methanolic and aqueous extracts of I. hethrantha was created in different concentrations (50, 100 mg/ml). The final volume was increased to 10 ml for each concentration. The standard treatment was albendazole. Two earthworms per group, in groups of roughly equal size, were introduced into each 10 millilitre of the required medication and extract concentration in the petridish.

Experimental design

The antihelmintic activity was carried out in compliance with Partap et al., 2012 [39]’s methodology on an adult Pheretima posthuma Indian earth worm, which shares physiological and anatomical similarities with human intestinal roundworm parasites. Pheretima posthuma were put in a petridish with two distinct quantities of ethanolic and aqueous extract from various I. heterantha Sects. (50 & 100 mg/ml). Two worms were added to each petridish, and the worms’ paralysis or death was monitored. After it was determined that worms did not move in response to external stimuli or when they were shook violently, the mean time for paralysis was recorded, which was the point at which no movement of any kind could be seen. The time of worm death (min) was also recorded. The test findings were contrasted with samples treated with the reference chemical albendazole (20 mg/ml).

Results

Yield of plant extract

The extraction process used was cold extraction and solvent used where methanol and water. Aqueous leaves has shown higher percentage yield 16.77% followed by aqueous root 15.33% methanolic leaves 13.64% methanolic root 12.73% aqueous bark 12.66% methanolic bark 10.41% aqueous flower 9.22% methanolic flower 7.48%. From the above it may be conclude that solvent water is showing higher percentage yield than the methnol (Table 1).

Table 1 Extraction of different parts of I. heterantha by using the methanolic and aqueous solvent system, with their percentage extraction yieldsa
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Phytochemical screening

Several secondary metabolites were found in the I. hethrantha extract during phytochemical screening; they are mentioned in Table 2. The presence of the phytoconstituents under investigation, including alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, was detected by phytochemical screening. However, the findings of certain tests were inconsistent. The Legal Test, showed no Glycosides in all extract, but the Keller Killiani Test did. Similarly, the FeCl3 Test revealed no presence of Alkaloids, but Wagner’s Test did.

Table 2 Qualitative phytochemical assessment
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There were numerous phytoconstituents present in all I. heterantha extracts (leaf, root, and bark), including carbohydrates, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, and others.

Infrared analysis

In the functional group region of the compound’s experimental IR spectra, the peaks for olefinic/aromatic C-H, aliphatic C-H, lactone C = O, and C-C stretching vibrations are particularly prominent. O-H, C-H, and C-O bending vibrations can be seen in the fingerprint region [40].

The extracts from I. heterantha had functional groups, as evidenced by the FTIR spectrum, which had peaks at 3965 cm-1 (alcohols and amines), 3445 cm-1 (alcohols, amine & amides, and carboxylic acids), 2999 cm-1 (alcohols, amine salts, carboxylic acids, and alkanes), 2914 cm-1 (alcohols, amine salts, carboxylic acids, and alkanes), 2683 cm-1 (alkanes and carboxylic acid), 1661 cm-1 (alkene, aromatic compounds, imine, and am-ides), 1437 cm-1 (alkanes, nitro, and carboxylic acids), 1405 cm-1 (alkenes, nitro, carboxylic acids, and sulfate, sulfonyl chlorides), 1312 cm-1 (phenol, aromatic amines, sulfones, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonate and sulfonamides), 1040 cm-1 (fluoro compounds, amines, sulfoxide anhydrides), 1001 cm-1 ( amines, fluorides), 947 cm-1 (alkenes), 698 cm-1 (aromatic compounds, alkenes, and alkyl halides) and 576 cm-1 Halo compounds (Fig. 1) Table 3.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Prominent fundamental vibrations of compounds

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Table 3 Prominent fundamental vibrations
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While the corresponding vibration in the experimental spectrum appears at 1661 cm-1, the C-H bending vibration is simulated at 1437 cm-1. At 1312 cm-1, the C-O stretching vibration is simulated. The fingerprint region frequently exhibits bending vibrations of 1040 (scissoring), 1040 (bending), 947 (ring breathing), and 698 cm-1 (wagging).

In vitro antibacterial activity

The agar well diffusion method was used to assess the antibacterial activity in vitro using gentamycin as a positive control and DMSO as a negative control. Escherichia coli (MTCC443), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC426), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC96), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC1688), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC441), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MTCC432) were the six bacterial strains employed in the investigation.

At 100 mg/ml, methanolic bark extract inhibits Bacillus subtilis with a 20 mm zone of inhibition, followed by methanolic root with a 19 mm zone and aqueous root, aqueous bark, and aqueous leaves with no action (Figs. 2 and S2). While as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root and Aqueous Bark did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 2
figure 2

In vitro antibacterial action against Bacillus subtilis. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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Methanolic bark extract inhibits E. coli by 20 mm diameter zone inhibition at 100 mg/ml and 13 mm diameter zone inhibition at 10 mg/ml. Methanolic flower extract shows a 15 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, methanolic root shows a 15 mm zone at 100 mg/ml while aqueous bark shows a 20 mm zone at 100 mg/ml aqueous flower shows a 14 mm zone at 100 mg/ml aqueous root does not show any activity (Figs. 3 and S3). While as, Aqueous Root and Aqueous leaves did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 3
figure 3

In vitro antibacterial action against E. coli. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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The methanolic root extract of Proteus vulgaris displays a 17 mm inhibition zone at 100 mg/ml and a 12 mm inhibition zone at 10 mg/ml. At 100 mg/ml, methanolic bark displays a 17 mm inhibition zone and no activity at 10 mg/ml, while aqueous extracts display no activity (Figs. 4 and S4). While as, Methanolic Leaves, Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 4
figure 4

In vitro antibacterial action against Proteus vulgaris. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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The methanolic root extract inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa and revealed an 18 mm zone at 100 mg/ml and a 14 mm zone at 10 mg/ml. At 100 mg/ml, methanolic leaves displayed a 19 mm patch, while methanolic flower and aqueous extracts exhibited no activity (Figs. 5 and S5). Whereas as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 5
figure 5

In vitro antibacterial action against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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Methanolic root at 100 mg/ml showed a 16 mm zone, methanolic bark at 100 mg/ml showed a 12 mm zone, and methanolic bark at 10 mg/ml showed a 16 mm zone for Staphylococcus aureus (Figs. 6 and S6). Methanolic leaves had a 17 mm zone at 100 mg/ml and an 11 mm zone at 10 mg/ml. At 100 mg/ml, the aqueous root displays a 15 mm zone, while at 10 mg/ml, it shows a 12 mm zone. At 100 mg/ml, the aqueous bark had an 18 mm zone, the aqueous leaves had a 17 mm zone, and the aqueous flowers had a 15 mm zone. Whereas, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 6
figure 6

In vitro antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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At 100 mg/ml, the methanolic root extract revealed a 19 mm zone for Klebsiella pneumoniae, and at 30 mg/ml, it showed a 17 mm zone. At 100 mg/ml, methanolic bark shows a 14 mm zone, while aqueous extracts display no activity (Figs. 7 and S7). Whereas as Methanolic Leaves and Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-bacterial activity.

Fig. 7
figure 7

In vitro antibacterial action against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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In vitro antifungal activity

The in vitro antifungal activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, with DMSO acting as a negative control and nystatin and fluconazole serving as positive controls. The antifungal activity of four fungal strains was tested: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC170), Penicillium chrysogenum (MTCC947), Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 426), and Candida albicans (MTCC 227). Methanolic roots, bark, and leaves show prominent activity, while methanolic flowers, aqueous roots, bark, leaves, and flowers do not show any activity. In the case of Penicillium chrysogenum, the methanolic bark shows a 15 mm zone at 100 mg/ml methanolic root shows a 14 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, while methanolic leaves show a 14 mm zone at 100 mg/ml (Figs. 8 and S8). Whereas as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-fungal activity.

Fig. 8
figure 8

In vitro antibacterial action against Penicillium chrysogenum. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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The methanolic root extract showed a 17 mm zone of inhibition at 100 mg/ml, the methanolic leaf extract showed an 18 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, and the methanolic bark extract showed a 12 mm zone at 100 mg/ml against Aspergillus fumigatus (Fig. 9 and S9). Whereas as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-fungal activity.

Fig. 9
figure 9

In vitro antibacterial action against Aspergillus fumigatus. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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The methanolic root extract showed a 14 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, the methanolic bark extract showed a 14 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, and the methanolic leaf extract showed a 13 mm zone at 100 mg/ml against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Fig. 10 and S10). Whereas as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-fungal activity.

Fig. 10
figure 10

In vitro antibacterial action against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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Similarly, the methanolic leaf extract showed a 13 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, the methanolic bark extract showed a 15 mm zone at 100 mg/ml, and the methanolic root extract showed a 13 mm zone at 100 mg/ml against Candida albicans (Fig. 11 and S11). Whereas as Methanolic Flower, Aqueous Root, Aqueous Bark, Aqueous Leaves, Aqueous Flower did not show any anti-fungal activity.

Fig. 11
figure 11

In vitro antibacterial action against Candida albicans. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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Anthelmintic activity

Since the adult Indian earth worm Pheretima posthuma bears morphological and physiological similarities to human intestinal round worm parasites, the anthelmintic activity was conducted on this species. Aqueous root extract at 100 g/ml death occurs at 24 min and paralysis at 13 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 47 min and paralysis at 22 min. Methanolic flower extract at 100 mg/ml death occurs at 44 min and paralysis at 32 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 4 min and paralysis at 35 min; aqueous leaves extract at 100mgml death occurs at 43 min and paralysis at 24 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 70 min and paralysis at 45 min (Figs. 12 and S12).

Fig. 12
figure 12

Anthelmintic activity of I. heterantha at different concentrations against Pheretima posthuma. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 3, p < 0.0001)

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Methanolic root at 100 g/ml death occurs at 47 min and paralysis at 26 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 70 min and paralysis at 59 min. Aqueous bark at 100 g/ml death occurs at 70 min and paralysis at 50 min at 50 g/ml death occurs at 94 min and paralysis at 81 min. Methanolic bark at 100 mg/ml death occurs at 90 min and paralysis at 69 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 120 min and paralysis at 95 min. Aqueous flower does not show any activity. Methanolic root, flower and aqueous leaves have shown prominent anti-helminthic activity.

Discussion

The I. heterantha extracts used in the current study showed the existence of a range of bioactive components, including alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, & saponins. These phytochemicals could be responsible for the pharmacological properties. The compounds that reported antimicrobial activities of purified I. heterantha lectin obtained from seeds by Ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography technique has exhibited a significant antibacterial effect on four strains namely Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escheri-chia coli, and Bacillus subtilis [41]. The antibacterial activity of several I. heterotrantha extracts was evaluated in the current investigations against a variety of bacterial strains.

When measuring in vitro antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method, gentamycin was employed as a positive control, and DMSO was employed as a negative control. Two strains of gram-positive and two strains of gram-negative bacteria were tested for antibacterial activity using the methanolic and aqueous root extracts, and it was shown that they were all efficient. Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli all had their growth suppressed by the extracts. Maximum zones of inhibition for all four strains of methanolic extract ranged from 14.3 to 16.5 mm. With a 15.6 mm zone of inhibition, the aqueous extract demonstrated good effectiveness against S. typhi as well. Methanolic bark and root extract inhibited Bacillus subtilis Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methanolic bark, flower, root, and aqueous bark extract inhibited E. coli. Methanolic root and leaves extract inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanolic root, leaves, bark, aqueous root and bark extract inhibited Staphylococcus aureus.

The antifungal activity of four fungal strains was tested: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC170), Penicillium chrysogenum (MTCC947), Aspergillus fumigatus (MTCC 426), and Candida albicans (MTCC 227). Methanolic roots, bark, and leaves show prominent activity, while methanolic flowers, aqueous roots, bark, leaves, and flowers do not show any activity. The aqueous extract demonstrated good activity against S. cerevisiae at a concentration of 200 mg/ml with a zone of inhibition of 16 mm, while the methanolic extract displayed comparable activity against the fungal strains. The remaining two strains, P. crysogenum and A. fumigatus, were only moderately active in response to the extracts.

Since the adult Indian earth worm Pheretima posthuma bears morphological and physiological similarities to human intestinal round worm parasites, the anthelmintic activity was conducted on this specie. Methanolic root, flower and aqueous leaves have shown prominent anti-helminthic activity. Aqueous flower does not show any activity. Methanolic flower extract at 100 mg/ml death occurs at 44 min and paralysis at 32 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 4 min and paralysis at 35 min. Methanolic root at 100 g/ml death occurs at 47 min and paralysis at 26 min at 50 mg/ml death occurs at 70 min and paralysis at 59 min.

Herpes simplex virus 2 has been tried in vitro and in vivo against the roots of I. heterantha. It was discovered that the hydromethanolic extract operated at several stages of viral entry and had a strong and targeted activity against the virus in vitro. When the extract was applied topically to HSV-2-infected mice, the clinical symptoms significantly decreased and the animal’s survival increased [24].

However, these investigations lack dose-effect data because only one dose of the extract has been examined in vivo. Many species of Indigofera, such as I. heterantha, have long been used to treat renal diseases [42,43,44].

The present study’s results are encouraging because the extracts exhibited strong antimicrobial activity in vitro and their mechanisms of action were investigated in vitro. However, there are still gaps in our expanded understanding of the genus Indigofera, necessitating more research. More research needs to be done on certain species due to their historical uses. Notably, I. heterantha—which is commonly used in Pakistan and India to treat pain and digestive issues—exemplifies this.

Conclusions

The antimicrobial and antifungal activity of various extracts of I. heterantha has been reported. The in vitro antibacterial activity shows that roots, bark, leaves, and flowers possess antibacterial activity. Methanolic root and bark have prominent activity on all strains, while aqueous flower, root, and leaves show prominent activity on Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro methanolic root, bark, and leaves have prominent antifungal activity, whereas methanolic flower, aqueous root, bark, leaves, and flower do not possess any significant antifungal activity. The results will further guide us in the isolation of the desired phytoconstituents responsible for the antimicrobial and antifungal activity.

The anthelmintic, antibacterial, and antifungal potential of roots, leaves, bark, and flower extracts of I. heterantha of Kashmir region has not been evaluated till date, and this work presents the first report of the plant regarding same. The present study revealed that all aqueous and methanolic extracts of various parts I. heterantha contain many phytocompounds as depicted by preliminary phytochemical screening. The in-vitro antibacterial activity shows root, bark, leaves, and flower possess antibacterial activity. Methanolic root and bark have prominent activity on all strains while aqueous flower, root and leaves shows prominent activity on Staphylococcus aureus. In-vitro methanolic root, bark, and leaves have prominent antifungal activity while methanolic flower, aqueous root, bark, leaves and flower does not possess any antifungal activity. Since the adult Indian earth worm Pheretima posthuma shares morphological and physiological similarities with human intestinal roundworm parasites, the anthelmintic activity was conducted on this species. All the extracts have shown anthelmintic activity except aqueous flower. Prominent activity was shown by aqueous extracts of root and leaves followed by methanolic extracts of root and flower. The observed antifungal, antibacterial and anthelmintic activity revealed that root, bark, leaves and flower of I. heterantha as a good source for treating helmintic and other microbial infections. I. heterantha can be investigated further for isolation of bioactive compounds and the activity of those can be correlated with these specific activities, besides the isolated molecules may also serve as lead molecules for the synthesis of novel compounds with above mentioned activities.

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Researchers Supporting Project at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for supporting this research. The authors thank the Head of Department, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir for providing necessary laboratory facilities for this study.

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  1. Mohammad Ali

    Present address: Department of Pharmacology, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G Nagar, Nagamagala, Bellur, Karnataka, 571418, India

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India

    Showkat Ahmad Bhat, Mohammed Iqbal Zargar, Shahid Ud Din Wani & Mubashir Hussain Masoodi

  2. Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, 608002, India

    Ishfaq Mohiuddin

  3. Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia

    Faiyaz Shakeel

  4. Department of Pharmacy Practice, East Point College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560049, India

    Mohammad Ali

  5. Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru, 570015, India

    Seema Mehdi

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Contributions

Showkat Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Iqbal Zargar and Shahid Ud Din Wani conducted the experiments. Shahid Ud Din Wani wrote the original draft of the manuscript. Ishfaq Mohiuddin, Mohammad Ali, Seema Mehdi contributed to analysis the data. Mubashir Hussain Masoodi, Faiyaz Shakeel and Shahid Ud Din Wani contributed design the experiments and proofread the entire manuscript. All authors gave final approval for the submission of the manuscript.

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Supplementary Information

Additional file 1: Table S1.

Extraction of different parts of Indigofera heterantha; Figure S1. Parts of Indigofera heterantha; Figure S2. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtalis using different concentrations of the plant extracts and the positive control; Figure S3. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against E. coli using different concentrations of the plant extracts and positive control; Figure S4. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against Proteus vulgaris using different concentrations of the plant extracts and the positive control; Figure S5. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using different concentrations of the plant extracts and a positive control; Figure S6. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus using different concentrations of the plant extracts and positive control; Figure S7. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae using different concentrations of the plant extracts and positive control; Figure S8. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum using different concentrations of the plant extracts and the positive control; Figure S9. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus using different concentrations of the plant extracts and the positive control; Figure S10. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae using different concentrations of the plant extracts and the positive control; Figure S11. Representative agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the antifungal activity against Candida albicans using different concentrations of the plant extracts and a positive control. Figure S12. Representative Agar-well diffusion assay plates showing the anti-helminthic activity against Pheretima posthuma using different concentrations of the plant extractives and positive control.

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Bhat, S.A., Zargar, M.I., Wani, S.U.D. et al. In-vitro evaluation of Indigofera heterantha extracts for antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic activities. J Pharm Health Care Sci 10, 7 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40780-024-00328-y

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Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences

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