Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of the Leaf of cassia alata LINN.

Abstract

The leaves of cassia alata Linn were successively extracted with n-hexane and ethylacetate using the soxhlet method. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of free anthraquinones, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The n-hexane crude extract exhibited some anti – bacterial activity against Yersinnia enterocolitica, streptococcus pneumonia and salmonella typhi. Anti–fungal activities against Microsporum audouini and Trichophyton meritagrophyta were also exhibited. A synergic test of n–hexane and ethylacetate extracts showed an improved sensitivity against shigella sormei and strep. pneumonia. A confirmatory phytochemical analysis performed on the most mobile tlc isolate (R_f 0.94) from the n-hexane extract revealed the presence of steroidal saponin. This was found to be active against strep. pneumonia.

Key words: Cassia alata, Phytochemistry,Steroids and Antimicrobial activity