Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Bauhinia variegata Linn.

The antimicrobial effect of Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) leaf and bark extract was evaluated on microbial strains like Gram positive species Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and Gram negative species Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The solvent used for extraction of plant were Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Alcohol. The alcoholic extract of leaves of Bauhinia variegata shows maximum antimicrobial activity. The in vitro antimicrobial valuation was carried out by disc diffusion method. The significant antibacterial activity of active extract was compared with standard antibiotic Amphicillin. The samples of leaves and bark were further used for the phytochemical studies. Results of the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, oil, fat glycoside, carbohydrates, Phenolics, Tannins, lignin, saponins, flavonoids and Terpinoids. The antibacterial activities of the leaves and bark were due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. The phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of B. variegata leaves and bark was determined by using the standard method