Phytochemical Investigation, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities of Rhizomes of Euphorbia Fusiformis

Objective: Isolation of compounds from Euphorbia fusiformis rhizomes and evaluation of extracts and each isolates for its antioxidant and antifungal activities. Results: Five compounds were isolated including Euphol 1, β-Sitosterol 2, Caudicifolin 3, Scoparone 4 and Scopoletin 5. The occurrence of the compounds 2, 4 and 5 in the herb reported here for the first time. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 2.781 mg/ml) and its yielded compound 3 showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 3.25 mg/ml) using DPPH method. The ethyl acetate extract showed better antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Conclusion: Compounds 2, 4, 5 were isolated first time from this plant. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antioxidant and antifungal activity against A. nigar and C. Albicans. Thus, this study concludes by demonstrating the isolation, characterization, antioxidant and antifungal properties of E. fusiformis, which may have further therapeutic value.

Key Words:Euphorbia fusiformis, coumarins, antioxidant activity, antifungal activity.