Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Potential of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Abstract

The flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) is one of the most imperative remedies used in indigenous medicine in Pakistan. Syzygium aromaticum is an effective drug for different ailments, and it is used as anti-gas activity, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant activity, anesthetic activity and mucus clearing activity. Antimicrobial activity of aqueous, methanol, acetone and nhexane extracts of Syzygium aromaticum against four bacterial (E. coli, B. subtilus, S. aureus and P. multocida strains) and three fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria alternate) were investigated by disc diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis of Syzygium aromaticum revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannic acid and cardiac glycosides. The present investigation revealed that methanol extracts had more potent activity (25 mm DIZ) than other extracts. A strong correlation was observed between phytochemicals and tested biological activities. The results of this investigation advocate that clove seed can be explored as a viable source of bioactives for the improvement of chemotherapeutic medicine against cancer in addition to acting as nutraceutical and functional food ingredient.