Phytochemical Screening of Ethanolic Extract and Antibacterial Activity of Eclipta prostrata

Abstract

Aerial parts of Eclipta alba are used traditionally for the treatment of several diseases of liver, skin and stomach. Ethanolic extract and active principle compound of a well known Indian hepatoprotective herb, Eclipta prostrata was tested for in vitro antimicrobial studies. It was evaluated using zone of inhibition studies and minimum inhibitory concentration. The extract exhibited activity against all 8 strains studied. Phyto-chemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, coumestans, saponins, alkaloids, etc. Ethyl acetate fraction and further pure isolated wedelolactone showed enhanced antimicrobial activity. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were most susceptible. Shigella flexneri and Bacillus cereus were the most resistant bacterial strains. These results suggest wedelolactone as a promising antimicrobial agent.