Phytochemical screening and antibacterial property of carmona retusa (Vahl.) masam

Three different extracts have been prepared with petroleum ether, methanol and chloroform separately from Carmona retusa. Methanol extract have yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, cardenolides except anthraquinones and phlobatannins. Petroleum ether extract have yielded flavonoids, phenols, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. Chloroform extract have yielded saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and cardenolides. Antibacterial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol extracts obtained from the leaf of Carmona retusa were tested against four bacteria using the agar diffusion method. The experimental data indicated that all extracts exhibit moderate to appreciable antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These results may suggest that Carmona retusa could be used as an antibacterial agent.