PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF Musa acuminata PLANT

Abstract

Musa acuminata plant is known for its edible fruits and the uses of its leaves as food wrapper in industries. Exploring it medicinal values will be an advantage because it can easily grow in Malaysia. The non-edible part which is the leaves of Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ plant is analysed to determine the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial properties. Two types of organic solvents used namely hexane and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of the extract produced were tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by using disc-diffusion method. Phytochemical screening done on the sample showed that the methanolic extract contained bioactive components such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids and saponins whereas hexane extract indicated the presence of alkaloid. The methanolic extract of the leaves showed positive effects towards tested microorganisms whereas hexane extract showed vice versa. The best concentration of methanolic extract against S. epidermidis was 60 mg/ml and T. mentagrophytes were 40 mg/ml forming inhibition zone with diameter of 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively. Methanolic extract against S. epidermidis is comparable to ampicillin. Meanwhile, it is remarkable that methanolic extract of M. acuminata leaves showed stronger antifungal properties as compared to nystatin. As a conclusion, the methanolic extract of the leaves of M. acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ can be nominated as potential drug due to their antifungal properties.