Phytochemical investigation and Bioevaluation of Medicinally Important Plant: Rheum emodi

Rheum emodi (Polygonate) commonly known as ‘‘Pambchallan’’(in Kashmir) is a medicinally important plant showing a wide range of biological activities. Phytochemical investigation of the roots of this plant yielded six compounds i.e. Chrysophanol, emodin, noreugenin, Physcion, aloe-emodin glycoside, and Chrysin. All the isolated compounds were envisaged for bio evaluation (antioxidant and antimicrobial activity). Among all tested isolates, compounds 1, 3 and 4 were found to be better antioxidants and with respect to antimicrobial screening, varied activity was demonstrated by all the six compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 were found to be active against both fungal strains. Compounds 2 and 3 were active against single bacterial strain E.coli while as compound 6 was found to be potent against bacterial pathogen E.coli and fungal pathogen A. fumigatus.