In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Dragon ’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f.) of Socotra Island (Yemen)

Objective: To evaluate the performance of preliminary phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f. (Agavaceae) (D. cinnabari) resin, collected from Socotra Island (Yemen). Methods: The powdered stem resin is extracted with different solvents by using Soxhlet apparatus and evaluated for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against three Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus NCIM 2106, Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 2127, and Micrococcus luteus NCIM 2169), seven Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli NCIM 2924, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 2863, Salmonella typhimurium NCIM 2501, Klebsiella aerogenes NCIM 2281, Proteus morganii NCIM 2860, Escherichia coli dh5α, Escherichia coli CSH) and three fungi (Candida albicans MTCC 227, Aspergillus flavus MTCC 873, Aspergillus niger MTCC 1781). Results: The antimicrobial activity data revealed that, the selected microorganisms possess varied sensitivity response to chloroform extract followed by methanol and benzene extract of D. cinnabari stem resin. The samples also possess a potent DPPH, OH and SO radical scavenging activity. In addition, the preliminary phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and other organic compounds which could be reason for antimicrobial activities of D. cinnabari resin. Conclusions: The present study is strengthened for the discovery and development of new antioxidant and antimicrobial drugs from D. cinnabari resin which encourage us to continue with pure fractions.