Critical Study on Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Elaeocarpus serratus L.

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of acetone, methanol and water extracts of leaf, stem bark and fruit
of Elaeocarpus serratus L. (Elaeocarpaceae) was examined against four bacterial species (Shigella
sonnei, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and a fungal species
(Candida albicans). Phytochemical screening was carried out for phenols, flavonoids and tannins.
Results showed that the plant extracts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of microorganisms. The
plant extracts displayed high antifungal activity against Candida albicans especially, the acetone
extract was found to be more active antifungal. Generally, the lower concentrations of the extracts
were susceptible to the fungal pathogen. E. serratus extracts contained phenols, flavonoids and
tannins at varying levels. The ability of the crude extracts of the test plant to inhibit the growth of
bacteria and fungi is an indication of its broad spectrum antimicrobial potential.