Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY STUDY OF CALPURNIA AUREA ROOT EXTRACT

Zelalem Abdisa* and Dula Daksa

ABSTRACT

Objective: In Ethiopia, any part of Calpurnia aurea is used for the treatment of different ailments like syphilis, malaria, rabies, diabetes, hypertension, diarrhoea, elephantiasis, fungal diseases, and different swellings. However, despite its traditional usage, there is limited information regarding the phytochemical profile and antibacterial activity of the root part of this plant. Hence the objective of this study was to conduct the phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity study of the root extracts of Calpurnia aurea. Methods: Calpurnia aurea root was collected from around Jimma Arjo highland, East Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia. The collected plant material was dried and powdered and then macerated using four organic solvents: hexane (99%), chloroform (99.9%), ethanol (97%) and methanol (99.8%) according to their increasing polarity index for 72 hours each with mechanical shaking. The extract was filtered, concentrated and then subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity test using standard methods. Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening of Calpurnia aurea root extract showed positive result for cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. However, test for anthraquinones (generally anthocyanins) showed negative result in all extraction solvents used. Yet there was difference observed based on extracting solvents used and strength of quality results in which cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins were strongly detected; phenolic compounds, steroids, alkaloids, terpenoids and triterpenoids were moderately detected, while saponins were weakly detected. Antibacterial activity result revealed that methanol extract showed strong antibacterial activity comparable to the standard reference drug tested Gentamicin.

Keywords: Calpurnia aurea; phytochemicals; antibacterial activity.