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Abstract:
The leaves of Ficus religiosa was studied for invitro phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity. The aqueous and methanolic solvent extract was used to screen the secondary metabolites and test the antimicrobial effect of extract on E.coli. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins phenols flavanoids protein tanins and terpenoids. The extracts were subjected for antimicrobial activity against E.coli using agar well diffusion method. Aqueous and methanolic extract showed a zone of inhibition of 10 mm and 12 mm respectively.
Keywords: Ficus religiosa, Solvent extraction, phytochemical screening, agar well diffusion, antimicrobial.
Introduction:
Natural products as source of therapeutics have always remained an edge over synthetic analogs. Secondary metabolites present in plants have multiple roles to be treated as therapeutics. In recent years plant based secondary metabolites has been used as ingredients in many Ayurvedic and traditional formulations. Herbal medicines are always considered to be safe that has led to its increase in demand. Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) has been extensively used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments of the central nervous system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, respiratory system and infectious disorders[1]. The current study was aimed to carry out the phytochemical screening and to check invitro antibacterial activity against E.coli.
Classification:
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Viridaeplantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Order: Urticales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: F. religiosa
Materials and Methods
Collection of Sample:
Leaves of Ficus religiosa was collected from the campus of IILM Academy of Higher Learning and thoroughly rinsed with distilled water and shade dried in the laboratory of Department of Biotechnology, IILM Academy.
Preparation of extracts
Dried leaves were then grinded into fine particles with the help of grinder, further stored into air tight packets.
Distilled water extract (aqueous extraction): 5gm of powdered leaves was taken in small conical flask. Then 50ml of distilled water added. Further flask was kept on the rotary shaker at 200 rpm for 24hrs.
Methanol...