Antibacterial activity of Phyllanthus muellerianus

Abstract

The active principles of leaves and stem bark of Phyllanthus muellerianus(Kuntze) Excell (Euphobiaceae) were extracted with water and organic solvents (acetone and methanol) and tested for their antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that both the extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. Both the aqueous and methanol extracts of the leaves and stem bark showed high antibacterial activity against the test organisms. The least activity (6-mm zone of inhibition, MIC and MBC values of 625 and 312.5 μg/mL, respectively) by water leaf extracts was demonstrated against Staphylococcus, aureus, and the highest activity (18-mm zone of inhibition, MIC and MBC values of 625 μg/mL each) by water bark extracts and (22-mm zone of inhibition, MIC and MBC values of 625 and 156.3 μg/ML, respectively) by the methanol bark extracts was demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 5000 μg/Ml. The activity of the extracts was relatively stable at high temperatures and was enhanced at acidic pH. The plant can be used for the treatment of gastroenteritis, uretritis, otitis media, and wound infections. © 2008 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.