Author(s): KN Akshatha, S Mahadeva Murthy, N Lakshmi Devi and Sampath Kumara KK

Abstract: Plants are benefactor of humankind. The enormous increase in multiresistant strains irrespective of potent antibiotics has resulted in an exploration of new plant based products. Free radicals produced in the body are responsible for oxidation of biomolecules and increases the risk of chronic disorders. Antioxidants are the compounds which gives protection against cell damage. Active principle hexacosylidenecyclohexane isolated from the bark of Madhuca longifolia L. is used in the present antimicrobial and antioxidant studies. The antimicrobial activity of active principle was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans by disk diffusion method and Minimum inhibitory concentration assay. The antioxidant activity of crude extract was tested by Superoxide dismutase assay and active principle was evaluated by DPPH and TRPA assay. The results obtained from the present work proved active principle have strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and can be used in herbal formulations.