Antimicrobial Potentiality of Polyalthia cerasoides Leaf Extracts and Separation of Compounds

The antimicrobial activity of 90 % ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane leaf extracts of Polyalthia cerasoides was investigated on both bacterial and fungal strains using agar gel diffusion method. Commercial antibiotics were used as positive standard references to determine the sensitivity of the strains. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against bacteria (Proteus vulgaris, Klebseilla pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). The range of zone of inhibition was found to be (14-34 mm) and minimum inhibitory activity was as low as 1 mu L/well. The zone of inhibition was higher in ethyl acetate extract than ethanol and no activity was observed with hexane extract. Ethyl acetate extract was analyzed with silica gel column chromatography. The UV spectrum readings at higher absorptions are the sources of bioactive compounds having antimicrobial activity.