Antimicrobial activity of Cassia alata Linn. Leaves (caesalpinioideae)

Abstract

35% ethanolic extract from Cassia alata Linn. leaves showed antifungal activity against Trigrophyton mentagrophyte, Trigrophyton rubum and Microsporum gypsum. The activity was determined by agar diffusion method. Further purification of 35% ethanolic extract was done by dissolving in methanol and the undissolved methanolic material could dissolve in water. This methanolic extract showed antifungal activity against T.mentagrophyte while aqueous extract showed no activity. Isolation and purification of methanolic extract by column chromatography and preparative layer chromatography showed no principal component but consisted of many minor components. These minor components showed antifungal activity against T.mentagrophyte Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanolic extract against T.mentagrophyte as determined by agar dilution method was found to be 15 mg/ml. It was also found that 35% ethanolic extract showed less activity against Staphyllococcus aureus ATCC 25923 at 10% W/V concentration. The result from this investigation suggest that ethanolic extract from Cassia alata Linn. leaves can be used for the treatment of ringworm and it is desirable to introduce people to use this plant as in the traditional use.