Antibacterial activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Acalypha indica L.

R. Bharathi¹, K. Vasanthi¹, Senthil kumarai Muthusamy¹, C. Esaivani¹ and K. Chairman^2 
1Department of Zoology, Sri Parasakthi College for Women, Courtallam, M.S. University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India–627802
²Department of Microbiology, Kamarajar Arts College, Surandai, M.S. University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India–627859
Received: 21 August 2014, Accepted: 27 October 2014, Published Online: 15 December 2014

Abstract
Acalypha indica is herb found in tropical countries. This is used traditionally for treating various diseases for centuries, including anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Thus, the objective of this present investigation was to perform qualitative analysis of phytochemical compounds and also evaluate in vitro anti-bacterial activity of Acalypha indica. Crude ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and Toleune extract of leaves from Acalypha indica were tested for anti-bacterial activity against four bacterial species – Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi. Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida, It is inferred that ethyl acetate extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity with a maximum activity recorded against Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.67±0.33mm). The qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenols saponins, steroids, flavonoids and catechol.
Keywords: Acalypha indica, antimicrobial activity, phytochemical constituents