PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES OF LEAVES OF ACALYPHA RACEMOSA

Abstract

Phytochemical studies on the powdered leaves of Acalypha racemosa revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenes. Antimicrobial activities of cold water, hot water and methanolic extracts were studied against standard organisms (E. coli NCTC 10418, Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571) and a clinical isolate (Candida albicans). The cold-water extract showed better antibacterial activity than the hot water and methanolic extracts. Similarly, S. aureus was more susceptible than E. coli, but Candida albicans was completely resistant to the extracts. The cold-water extract showed activity with MIC range from 3.0mg/ml (against S. aureus) to 4.0mg/ml (E.coli) for cold water and 7.0mg/ml for the two isolates (methanolic extract). The MBC of the cold-water extract (6.0mg/ml) was able to cause 2-log cycle reduction of cell population in 90 minutes


Key Words: Acalypha racemosa, Euphorbiaceae, Antimicrobial, rate of kill.


Nig. J. Nat Prod. And Med. Vol.4 2000: 67-69