ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Toji Thomas *
The work aimed to verify the antibacterial and phytochemical nature of the leaves of Microsorum punctatum. The leaves of the plant were especially evaluated for its antibacterial capability with respect to the bacteria involved in skin infections. Leaves of M. punctatum were checked for antibacterial potential and plant chemical constituents, especially in petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and water in the manner of rising polarity. Antibacterial activity was confirmed by the standard disc diffusion experiment. Phytochemicals after being separated in silica gel Thin Layer Chromatography were identified by employing various standard spraying reagents. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most sensitive organism with respect to the extracts and therefore, its activity was further confirmed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) experiments. The phytochemicals obtained in acetone extracts of leaves the plant were active in terms of its antibacterial capability. No antibacterial activity was recorded for phytochemicals extracted in petroleum ether and water extracts. Detection of phenols, flavonoids, polyphenols and sterols in various extracts was noted in the experimentation. Presence of flavonoids, phenols, sterols and polyphenols in the ethanol extract of the plant accounted for its antibacterial activity. MIC and MBC values of 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml respectively were noted towards P. aeruginosa. Phytochemicals present in leaves of M. punctatum capable enough to react with the bacterium found in nosocomial infection.
