Antimicrobial activity of the alkaloids and saponin extracts of Anabasis articulata

Abstract

The crude alkaloids and the saponin extracts of the aerial parts of Anabasis articulata were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro using the disc diffusion method. Activity against five bacterial strains (gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria) and one fungal strain is discussed. Saponin extract was active against all assayed bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 14028,) and a fungal strain (Candida albicans) with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg/ml. Phytochemical screening shows that this plant is particularly rich in alkaloids and saponins which might be responsible for its anticandidal activity.