ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF PLANT PARTS OF BUTEA MONOSPERMA

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Since ancient times, plants have been model source of medicines as they are a reservoir of chemical agents with therapeutic properties. The general population is increasingly using herbal medicines as dietary supplements to relieve and treat many different human disorders. All parts of the plant, from root to fruit, consisting of a multitude of secondary metabolites which impart an unprecedented variety of medicinal uses to the plant. Studies have shown the presence of different phytochemical constituents in botanical sample responsible for the antimicrobial activity. These antimicrobial agents should be beneficial to host cells and toxic to pathogenic microbes. Hence, the antibacterial activity was examined from the leaf and flower of Butea monosperma. Sample was collected and its crude extract was obtained by using methanol, acetone and water as the extraction solvent. These extract were tested against some pathogenic microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereusa and B. subtilis. The extract of Butea monosperma showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereusa and B. subtilis. Bio-chemical test for the presence of phytochemicals have shown positive result and these phytochemicals have ability to fight against microorganisms or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. This approach will be an advanced step in the discovery of some herbal drugs. These plant extracts which was proven to be potentially effective can be used as a natural alternative to the chemical preservatives. It could be an ideal way to avoid health hazards that may occur due to chemical antimicrobial agents.