Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Screening of Calotropis gigantean (Crown Flower) Leaves

Calotropis gigantea is a widely distributed plant with ethno medicinal uses for various ailments. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial potential of its leaves against pathogenic bacteria. Leaf extracts were prepared using different solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, chloroform). Standard protocols were employed for phytochemical screening of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and phenolics. Disk diffusion assay was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against common bacterial pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Srreptococcus pyogens, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the most active extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics. The extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, with varied zone diameters depending on the extract type and bacteria tested. The MIC values indicated dose-dependent inhibition, showcasing the potency of specific extracts. Calotropis gigantea leaves harbor a rich repository of bioactive compounds with promising antibacterial activity against clinically relevant pathogens. Further investigations are warranted to isolate and characterize the active principles and explore their potential for developing novel antimicrobial agents.