Aspidistra elatior (Asparagaceae) has been used for relief backache and no data support their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was determined phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extract of A. elatior. Total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents were investigated for phytochemical contents. 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl radical (OH•) scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were selected to study antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial effect of AE and EE were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that both fractions contained phenolic, flavonoid and tannin. The AE fraction scavenged NO, H2O2, ABTS and OH• more than EE. While, the EE had ability to scavenge DPPH• and reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ better than the AE. Both the extracts were not affected to Staphylococcus aureus growth. This study indicated that A. elatior extract had potential to scavenge free radicals but had no antimicrobial potentials.
