Antibacterial and phytochemical properties of Schefflera stellata (G.) leaf extracts against various bacterial species

Different organic and aqueous extractions of leaves of Schefflera stellata (G.) (Araliacea) were screened for their antibacterial activity against six pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion assay. The pattern of inhibition varied with the solvent used for extraction and the microorganism tested. Among these extractions, petroleum ether, Chloroform and Aqueous extracts showed significant Antimicrobial Activity against most of the tested microorganisms. The most susceptible microorganism was Lacto bacillus (6mm zone of inhibition in Chloroform extraction) followed by Bacillus subtilis (4mm zone of inhibition in aqueous) and E. coli. (3.5mm zone of inhibition in petroleum ether extraction). Preliminary phytochemical analysis of different extracts revealed the presence of Anthraquinones, phenolic compounds and Flavonides while the alkolodes, terpinoids were absent in all the tested extracts. Petroleum ether, Aqueous and Benzene extracts of Scheffleera stellata(G.) were most effective against the tested microorganisms.