In VitroAntimicrobial and Antiprotozoal Activities, Phytochemical Screening and Heavy Metals Toxicity of Different Parts ofBallota nigra
The study was done to assess the phytochemicals (flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannin, alkaloids, and phenol) in different parts (root, stem, and leaves) ofBallota nigraand correlated it to inhibition of microbes (bacteria and fungi), protozoan (Leishmania), and heavy metals toxicity evaluation. In root and stem flavonoids, terpenes and phenols were present in ethanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate soluble fraction; these were found to be the most active inhibiting fractions against all the tested strains of bacteria, fungi, and leishmania. While in leaves flavonoids, terpenes, and phenols were present in ethanol, chloroform, andn-butanol fractions which were the most active fractions against both types of microbes and protozoan (leishmania) inin vitrostudy. Ethanol and chloroform fractions show maximum inhibition againstEscherichia coli(17 mm). The phytochemical and biological screenings were correlated with the presence of heavy metals in selected plantBallota nigra.Cr was found above permissible value (above 1.5 mg/kg) in all parts of the plant. Ni was above WHO limit inB. nigraroot and leaves (3.35 ± 1.20 mg/kg and 5.09 ± 0.47 mg/kg, respectively). Fe was above permissible value in all parts ofB. nigra(above 20 mg/kg). Cd was above permissible value in all parts of the plant (above 0.3 mg/kg). Pb was above WHO limit (above 2 mg/kg) in all parts ofBallota nigra.