Abstract:
Cassia alata Linn, a plant known both ethnomedically and scientifically for its antibacterial and antifungal activities,
was screened in an attempt to isolate the active antibacterial component. The leaf sample of the plant was first
extracted with methanol, diethyl ether, chloroform and water. The extracts were tested against Staphylococcus
aureus, Stereptococcus pneumoniea and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to identify the solvent with the highest
concentration of the active component. Crude water extract was found to be the most active. The water extract
was further extracted with n-hexane, diethyl ether and chloroform and each exhibited antibacterial activity. Phytochemical
screening of the water extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, tannins and anthraquinones.
Examination of the solubility properties of these components points directly to alkaloids as responsible for the
antibacterial activities.
