Estimation of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities of mentha spicata from southern districts of KPK.

ABSTRACT

The medicinal value of the plant is due to the phytochemical constituents they produce, which exhibit certain physiological actions on human body. Phytochemicals are plant derived chemical compoundS, which are non-essential nutrients, some of which show potential health promoting properties. The phytochemical constituents were determined by using known literature method while the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by classical literature methods. In case of phytochemicals, Tannin, Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Steroids, Coumarines, Sterols and Terpenes were found while saponins and anthraquinones were not determined in all the samples. Antibacterial activity was noted high in all the samples of crude extract followed by ethyl acetate and lowest activity was found was found in aqueous extract of Mentha spicata. The Same results were analyzed for antifungal activity.