Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial potential of <i>Andrographis ovata</i> Clarke

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate phytochemical and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of various leaf extracts of Andrographis ovata. Ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of this plant were evaluated against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae and the fungal strains Penicillium notatum, Penicillium pinophilum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans. Among the five extracts evaluated, chloroform extract was found to have the most significant activity followed by the petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and methanol extracts against Gram-positive bacteria. Antifungal activity assessment revealed that the tested fungal strains are more susceptible to petroleum ether extract followed by methanol, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extract. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contain flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, gums and mucilages, sterols and steroids. This is the first report on antibacterial, antifungal and phytochemical screening of A. ovata. This study scientifically validates the use of this plant as a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Key words: Medicinal plant, Andrographis ovata, Acanthaceae, leaves extracts, antifungal activity, phytochemical, antibacterial activity, agar well diffusion method.