Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation of The Water Immiscible Solvent Extracts of Moringa

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the existing global apprehension for the social health. There is a requisite to take counteractive actions regarding the AMR. Based on the literature, it was aimed to perform the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity evaluation of the water immiscible solvent extracts of Moringa peregrina Forssk. Fiori (Family: Moringaceae). Seven extracts of the powdered leaves of M. peregrina were prepared in solvent systems comprising dichloromethane (DCM), dichloroethane (DCE), and their mixtures with ethyl acetate (EA) and chloroform (CH). The extracts were screened for their phytochemicals and antimicrobial potential. All the extracts showed positive tests for alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, wherein negative tests were obtained for tannins, cardenolides, and anthraquinone glycosides. The 1:1 mixture of EA:DCM, and EA:DCE provided positive tests for steroids and terpenoids. The most effective antimicrobial extracts were the 1:1 mixture of EA:DCM and EA:DCE. However, the antimicrobial activity of these extract was mild in comparison to ofloxacin and fluconazole. It is concluded that various mixtures of DCM, DCE, and CH along with the higher concentration of other miscible solvents of DCM, DCE, and CH may provide better antimicrobial extracts.

Keywords

• moringa peregrina
• leaves
• water immiscible solvent
• extract
• antibacterial
• antifungal