Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Madhuca longifolia Flowers

Abstract

The advent of multidrug resistance among pathogenic bacteria is imperiling the worth of antibiotics, which have previously transformed medical sciences. Further, commercial antibiotic drugs caused side effects to body. However, herbal remedies often do not produce any side effects, and safe to be use. Hence the aim of the present study was to perform phytochemical study, and evaluate antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of Madhuca longifolia against various bacterial and fungal species. The ethanol extract of flower of Madhuca longifolia were prepared and screened for phytochemical study. The different concentration of ethanol extract (50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml, 150 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml) was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi by disc diffusion method. The phytochemical study indicates the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins and polyphenol in ethanol extract. The extract demonstrated the mild to moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. The maximum antibacterial activity of extract was found on Staphylococcus aureus, while the highest antifungal activity was found on Aspergillus niger. The present study was concluded that the antimicrobial activity of Madhuca longifolia might be due to presence of flavonoids and polyphenol component.