African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (23), pp. 2402-2404, 4 December 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Antimicrobial activity and phytochemicals of Solanum trilobatum Linn.

P. Swapna Latha and K. Kannabiran*

School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, (Deemed University), Vellore, India.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: kkb_67@yahoo.com

Accepted 8 September, 2006

In this study, aqueous methanol and n-butanol extracts of aerial parts of Solanum trilobatum L. (Solanaceae) were tested for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. From the results, it was found that extracts from leaves, flowers, stem and fruits revealed antimicrobial activity against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. Maximal antibacterial activity was seen against Klebsiella with aqueous extract whereas methanol extract of stem showed maximal activity against Staphylococcus aureus.  The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) exhibited by S. trilobatum aqueous extracts against tested organisms ranged between 0.06-0.5 mg/ml. Presence of tannins, saponins, flavanoides, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates indicates S. trilobatum, is one of the potential medicinal plant for therapeutic use.

Keywords: Solanum trilobatum, antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, medicinal plant, therapeutic use.