Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of Acacia nilotica (L.) leaves against pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the phytochemical profile and in vitro antibacterial activity of leaves of Acacia nilotica against pathogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: The crude extracts were prepared by two methods separately with three different solvents and examined for the preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion assay. On the basis of the preliminary analysis, solvent fractionation of the best crude extract was done employing two sets of solvents, and the solvent fractions were finally subjected to antibacterial activity. The quantitative analysis of total phenolics and total flavonoids content in the crude methanolic extract and solvent fractions were also done. Results: The crude extract and solvent fraction showed varying degree of inhibitory activity against tested bacteria. The result of antibacterial activity revealed more susceptibility toward Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: The most active solvent extract or fraction can be further explored to isolate and characterize the bioactive components responsible for biological activity to develop new antibacterial drugs.