Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Evaluations of Some Medicinal Plants in Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Gemma A. Gruyal

Abstract: Medicinal plants have been widely used since before recorded history for curing and preventing various ailments. The bioactive chemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of five medicinal plants against S. aureus and E. coli were evaluated. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and glycosides. Revealed that M. arvensis and C. frutescens were found to have greater number of secondary metabolites. The ethanolic extract of M. arvensis, C. frutescens and C.aromaticus showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Extracts of C. citratus, C. frutescens and C.aromaticus were also found to be effective against E. coli. The occurrence of these bioactive metabolites in the five medicinal plants may justify their wide usage in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial activity, Medicinal plants, Agar well diffusion method, Leaf extract, Zone of inhibition.