Phytochemical Screening And Antibacterial Studies Of Euphorbia Balsamifera Leaves (Aguwa)

ABSTRACT

Euphorbia balsamifera plant belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae. Leaves, stems and roots of Euphorbia balsamifera were extracted using ethanol and the extracts were screened for phytochemical components. The phytochemical results indicated that the plant contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. Ethanol extract of leaves and its fractions were tested for antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion method and were found to show inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sensitivity test results showed highest activity of 25mm zone of inhibition at 120mg/ml of chloroform fraction against Micrococcus species. The MIC and MBC of the chloroform fraction were 5mg/ml and 7mg/ml respectively. The TLC of chloroform fraction of leaves showed six components of different Rf value using benzene: ethyl acetate (3:1) solvent system. The chloroform fraction was further subjected to column chromatography, after which preparative TLC was carried out on the fraction obtained from column. The isolated compound was subjected to IR, UV and GC-MS Spectroscopy which revealed the presence of (6H-Indolo[3,2,1- de][1,5]naphthyridin-6-one) and fatty acid in the isolated compound. Therefore the bioactive of Euphorbia balsamifera leaves can be served as a lead for the development of new pharmaceutical therapeutic needs.