Identification of Antibaterial agentsin Cassia Alata L.

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.