Antibacterial activity of the active Component of Cassia alata (Linn) Leaves

Abstract

Fresh leaves of Cassia alata Linn were extracted using different solvents first with water, then methanol then n-hexane and lastly with acetone. On comparison between methanol extract and extracts of other solvents it was revealed that methanol gave the maximum extraction, this was evident during the chromatographic separation as it gave large number of fractions. Chromatographic method was used to separate the different components of the extract. The crude extract as well as the chromatographic fractions were tested for antibacterial activity using disc diffusion method. Among the fractions, only one component show antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus. The active chromatographic fraction revealed the presence of steroids.

KEYWORDS: Antibacterial, ,Cassia alata, Staphylococcus aureus