Study on the Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Ethylacetate Extract of Plumeria Rubra Leaves and Stems Bark

Abstract

Plumeria rubra leaves and stems bark was extracted using ethyl acetate by maceration process of solvent extraction. The leaves and bark were screened for phytochemicals, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The leaves and bark extract showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, balsam, cardiac glycosides, phenols, terpenes and steroids. The extract indicates the absence of flavonoids, saponins and resins. The bark extract showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, resins, terpenes and steroids; absence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and balsam. The zones of inhibition ranges from 10-28mm and the plant extracts showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. It was more pronounced on gram negative bacteria especially Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, the ethyl acetate crude extract was effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is usually resistant to most antimicrobial agents. The extracts were also effective against the fungi Candida albicans