Abstract
Achyranthes aspera L. is a well-known medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of various infectious and oxidative stress-related disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of A. aspera extracts using established in vitro methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of major bioactive constituents, including tannins, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids, supporting its therapeutic relevance. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, which demonstrated a concentration-dependent response, with maximum inhibition of approximately 85% at 100 µg/mL. Antibacterial activity assessed by the agar well diffusion method revealed notable inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella aerogenes, with zones of inhibition ranging from 5 to 18 mm, depending on extract concentration. The activity was comparable to the standard antibiotic ampicillin at higher concentrations. Additionally, antifungal evaluation against Candida albicans showed moderate inhibitory activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 6 to 13 mm. All experimental data were statistically analyzed and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The findings validate the traditional medicinal claims associated with A. aspera and highlight its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Further studies focusing on bioactive compound isolation and mechanistic pathways are recommended to support its pharmaceutical development.