Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of a novel plant, Eriodictyon californicum and its Healing Abilities

Allie Richards / arichards@bellarmine.edu / Faculty Advisor: Savita Chaurasia

Oxidative stress (OS) is a crucial factor in diseases such as stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The main cause of OS is free radicals, which are continuously generated in our body. Antioxidants, which are abundant in plants, combat OS by neutralizing free radicals. This research focuses on finding novel antioxidants in the plant Eriodictyon californicum, also known as yerba santa or “holy herb.” Yerba santa was used by early settlers and Native Americans to treat coughs, colds, and asthma. Thus, this study of antioxidant potential bridges the gap between herbal remedies and current pharmacological research.
In this study, ethanol extract of E. californicum was screened for bioactive molecules. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. To explore the mechanism of action for antioxidant activity, the extract was studied for efficacy against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Qualitative studies determined the presence of saponins, phlobatannins, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and flavonoids in yerba santa. The leaves were found to be rich in phenol content (78.58 ± 0.016 μg GAE/mg) and flavonoid content (6.76 ± 0.003 μg QE/mg). At a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, the extract showed 93.39 % inhibition of DPPH radicals, 57.36% inhibition of superoxide radicals, and 80.89% inhibition of hydroxyl radicals. This study reveals that E. californicum is a rich source of antioxidants and can be used to fight against oxidative stress. Antibacterial studies are currently in place.

Accepted for presentation at the SRHC: Southern Honors Regional Conference, April 2021

Recipient of the Student Government Association Research Grant Award