A.R. Shaikh and M.R. Badole
Abstract
In the present work the aqueous extract of the leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. was extracted using a sequential extraction method. The extracts were screened for alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins as reported in the literature. The Zone Inhibition Method (Kirby-Bauer method) was used to check the antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed that a 1000 g dose of crude extract, along with the positive control ciprofloxacin, exhibited a zone of inhibition of approximately 7.5 mm in diameter and 40 mm, respectively. The bioactivity of the crude aqueous extract of a plant is attributed to the synergistic effects of Phyto constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids. The sequential extraction method will aid in isolating and characterizing compounds with bioactivity, thereby facilitating the discovery of new antibacterial drugs.