PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES

Researcher: Cathelyn C. Mariano

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial properties of hag-ob leaf extract which can be a source of raw materials in the production of antibodies or antibacterial medicines. This study also aimed to provide preliminary assessment on the phytochemicals present in the leaves of hag-ob which can possibly be utilized as medicinal agent.

The phytochemical screening was confined to the detection of important phytochemical constituents that exhibit biological activity like alkaloids, saponins, antraquinones, flavonoids and tannins. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated using the Mcfarland Turbidity Standard and Microbiological Assay Method.  The antimicrobial screening was designed to detect the antimicrobial activity of the plant extract against representative test organisms of gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

Based on the preliminary assessment, hag-ob leaf extract contains alkaloids, antraquinones, coumarines, essential oils, flavonoids, higher alcohols, phenols, steroids and tannins.

The leaf extract contains bioactive components that can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The inhibitory effect of the extract on the three test organisms was interpreted as very active; hence, the extract can be a source of raw materials in the production of antibodies and antibacterial medicines.