Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Properties of Some Indigenous Indian Plants

Methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of ten indigenous Indian plants Alstonia scholaris, Anthocepalus cadamba, Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Madhuca indica, Butea frundosa, Berberis aristata, Abutilon indicum, Nyctanthes arbor tristis, Aegle marmelos and Urginea indica were investigated for antimicrobial activity against E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus followed by determination of Minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. A primary phytochemical screening was done to determine the presence of Terpenoids, Tannins, Anthraquinone, Steroids, Saponins, Alkaloids and Flavonoids. Methanolic extract of B. aristata was found to have potent antibacterial activity against three bacterial cultures followed by A. indicum. The largest zone of inhibition (24mm) was observed against B. subtilis in the presence of crude Methanolic extract of B. aristata. Minimal Inhibitory concentration B.aristata was found to vary from 40μg/ml to 73μg/ml for the three bacterial cultures. All the tested phytochemicals were present in B.aristata and A. cadamba indicating that these plants could be further exploited for production of bioformulations for treating infectious diseases.