Abstract: Background and Objective: Different parts of Moringa stenopetala are traditionally used to treat several human diseases and treatment of dirty water. We have revealed the bacterial activity of the root wood of M. stenopetala previously. This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical constituents of root bark extracts of this plant and evaluating its antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: The powdered plant material was subjected to extraction using solvent systems such as petroleum ether, chloroform and acetone involving and the maceration technique. After yield calculation, the crude extracts obtained were subjected to phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity tests. The antibacterial activity test was carried on four bacterial strains viz. S. aureus, E. coli, P. aerugenosa and S. thyphimurium. Results: The extraction gave 1.34 (0.54%), 2.26 (0.91%) and 3.80 g (1.54%) crude extracts from n-hexane, chloroform and acetone extracts, respectively. Phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, polyphenols and phytosterols in the various extracts. The extracts of M. stenopetala revealed antibacterial effects against the tested bacterial strains with zone of inhibition 15-25 mm and acetone extract was the most active. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that the plant has a great potential as a source of modern antibacterial agents against selected bacterial strains and potential role in disinfection of dirty water. PubDate: 16 November, 2020
Open Access journal
