Phytochemical Analysis of Muntingia calabura Extracts Possessing Anti-Microbial and Anti-Fouling Activities

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the possible antifouling and anti microbial activity of plant extracts prepared from Muntingia calabura and phytochemical screening was demonstrated. The extracts from the following plant parts like stem, leaves, fruits, flower and stems were prepared in different aqueous solvents like ethanol, methanol, acetone, acetonitrile and water. The highest antimicrobial potentials were observed for the methanolic extracts against K. pneumonia, B. subtilis, B. megaterium and P. aeruginosa. Its efficacy was comparable to the standard drug, ampicillin. Significant amount of tannins, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids were found. Interestingly, the present study showed anti fouling effect against pathogenic biofilm forming bacteria. These extracts also contain high hemagglutination activity. The present study provides evidence that solvent extract of M. calabura contains medicinally important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.