Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activities of <i>Terminalia catappa</i>, Leaf Extracts

Abstract

The powdered leaf of Terminalia catappa was extracted using ethanol and partitioned into n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol fractions. Test for the presence of secondary metabolites showed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins, tannins, resins and steroids in ethanol soluble fraction. The antimicrobial assay of n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions indicated a positive activity against the bacterial isolates tested. Chloroform fraction showed activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi at 500ìg/disc, while ethanol and aqueous methanol fractions were active only on Salmonella typhi at concentrations of 300 – 500ìg/disc. The present study revealed that the plant extracts contain phytochemicals responsible for the activity against Salmonella typhi.