Comparative study of antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of methanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruit of Emblica officinalis against pathogenic bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate antimicrobial potential of aqueous (infusions, decoctions) and methanlic extracts (1:2 and 1:5 concentrations) of Emblica officinalis (amla) against seven pathogenic bacteria namely Staphylococcs aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus cloacae, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniae. METHODS: The well diffusion technique was employed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using micro-broth dilution methods and phytochemical screening was done as per standard procedures. RESULTS: Aqueous infusion extract of amla exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against E. cloacae followed by E. coli. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of E. officinalis aqueous extracts (infusions and decoctions) only showed presence of tannins, saponins, flavanoids, Terpenoids and phenols. MIC of aqueous extract of E. officinalis was most active against K. pneumoniae. Whereas MIC of methanol extract of E. officinalis shows maximum activity against E. coli. CONCLUSION: Emblica officinalis definitely possesses potent antimicrobial activities and this can serve as an important platform for the development of inexpensive, safe and effective medicines