Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI LEAF AND BARK EXTRACTS

Anusha P. and Suseela Lanka*

Abstract

Screening of medicinal plants for bioactive compounds is useful to develop drugs with improved safety and efficacy. The available literature about Syzygium cumini revealed the multiple health benefits of this multipurpose tree. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial activities of Syzygium cumini leaf and bark prepared using ethanol and methanol. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Both leaf and bark extracts prepared using ethanol and methanol were found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria whereas the extracts were ineffective in inhibiting the growth of fungi.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Syzygium cumini, leaf and bark extracts, antimicrobial activities.