Preliminary anti-microbial and phytochemical investigation of the extracts and column fractions of Alchornea Floribunda leaves

The leaves of Alchornea floribunda were collected, identified and reduced to coarse powder. Using various solvent treatments, the powdered drug leaf was fractionated into A1, A2, B, C and D. The fractions were subjected to anti-microbial screening and phytochemical analysis. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of terpenes, sterols, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrate, glycoside, saponins and alkaloids. Only fraction A2 (the terpenoid fraction) showed promising antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (IZD 42 mm) Salmonella keitambii (IZD 34mm) and Bacillus subtilis (IZD 32mm). A2 was further separated into 14 major column chromatographic fractions. The fractions were subjected to anti-microbial and phytochemical investigation. Fraction Af7, Af9, Af12 and Af13 (all terpenoids) showed mild activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella keitambii. In conclusion, the anti-microbial activity of Alchornea floribunda leaves can be attributed to the presence of the terpenoids which may interact synergistically to cause inhibition of the sensitive bacteria.