Antimicrobial activity of samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr,

ABSTRACT

Phytochemical investigation and antimicrobial activity studies for the aqueous and alcoholic leaf, fruit and seed extracts of Samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr, were carried out. The phytochemical tests of various extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, sterols, proteins and triterpenoids. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested against selected gram positive, gram negative bacteria and fungi. Zone of inhibition produced by these extracts were compared with the standard antibiotic [Ofloxacin 10 micro g/disc] and antifungal [Clotrimazole 10 micro g/disc] under the similar conditions. The activity index of antimicrobial activity was calculated by comparing the effect of all the extracts with the effect induced by the standards. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaf and seeds showed moderate antibacterial activity whereas fruit extracts were found ineffective against bacteria. All the extracts of Samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr., were found inactive against fungi