Biological activities of aerial parts of Paeonia emodi wall

Abstract

The ethanolic extract derived from the aerial parts of Paeonia emodi was screened for various in vitro biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, phytotoxic and haemagglutination activities. General toxicity (brine shrimp lethality assay) of this extract has also been assessed. The extract was found to possess excellent phytotoxicity against Lemna minor L., moderate heamagglutination activity against human erythrocytes and reasonable insecticidal activity against Bruchus pisorum. The crude extract did not display any antifungal or antibacterial activity against the fungi and bacteria used in this study. No significant general toxicity was observed with the extract at tested concentrations.