Evaluation of the Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Activities of the Ethanolic, Hexane and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Spigelia Anthelmia Leaves

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activities of the hexane, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Spigelia anthelmia leaves. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods. The Agar well diffusion method was adopted in carrying out the antimicrobial screening. The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, resins and volatile oils in hexane extract; saponins, alkaloids, tannins and balsams in ethanolic extract and tannins, steroids, terpenoids and volatile oils in ethyl acetate extract. The antimicrobial screening indicated that the hexane extract was active on Escherichia coli, Salmonela typhi, Klebsiela pneumonia and Pseudomonas ariginosa but inactive on staphylococcus aureus. The ethanolic extract was active on all the test organisms. The ethyl acetate extract was active on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas ariginosa but inactive on staphylococcus aureus. This indicated that the hexane, ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Spigelia anthelmia leaves can serve as potential antibiotics in ethno medicines.