<i>Antigonon leptopus</i>: a potent biological source for extermination of fish bacterial pathogens <i>Providencia</i> and <i>Aeromonas</i>

<div><p>This study pertains to the phytochemical components and the biological properties of the weed, <i>Antigonon leptopus</i> Hook. & Arn. (AUT/PUS/064). Phytochemical screening of methanolic leaf extract of <i>A. leptopus</i> revealed the presence of saponin, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, fixed oils and amino acids. Accordingly, 12 phytochemical components were analysed and characterised by GC–MS. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against fish and clinical pathogens. Fish pathogens, <i>Providencia vermicola</i> (MTCC 5578) and <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> (MTCC 646) were more sensitive to the methanolic leaf extract than clinical pathogens. A useful information was obtained from the phytochemistry of <i>A. leptopus</i> leaves, which would pave way to further applications to treat fish diseases and for utility in the pharmaceutical field.</p>