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Antimicrobial activity of Lithocarpus celebicus
M R Khan1, M Kihara, A D Omoloso
1Department of Applied Sciences, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, P.M.B., Lae, Papua New Guinea. rkhan@dg.com.pg
Fitoterapia
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Methanol extracts from Lithocarpus celebicus leaves, stem, and root bark demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Fractionation, especially with ethyl acetate and petrol, enhanced this activity against bacteria but not moulds.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacognosy
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Lithocarpus celebicus is a plant species with potential medicinal properties.
- Investigating plant extracts for antimicrobial activity is crucial for discovering new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Lithocarpus celebicus extracts.
- To determine the effect of fractionation on the antimicrobial spectrum of the plant's extracts.
Main Methods:
- Methanol extracts of leaves, stem bark, and root bark were prepared.
- Extracts were fractionated using petrol, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate solvents.
- Antibacterial activity was tested against a spectrum of bacteria.
- Antifungal activity was tested against selected moulds.
Main Results:
- Methanol extracts exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
- Fractionation enhanced the antibacterial activity, particularly the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark and the petrol fraction of the root bark.
- No extract or fraction showed activity against the tested moulds.
Conclusions:
- Lithocarpus celebicus possesses significant antibacterial properties.
- Specific fractions of Lithocarpus celebicus extracts hold promise as sources of novel antibacterial compounds.
- The plant lacks antifungal activity against the tested fungal species.