Therapeutic properties of a poisonous plant Cleistanthus collinus

Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Benth. ex Hook. f. is a familiar plant which is available in many parts of India. It is commonly known as Oduvanthalai in Tamil. Though, this plant is widely used for suicidal purposes, it is now increasingly investigated for its therapeutic properties in the area of phytochemical research. The present study is designed to check the antimicrobial properties of Cleistanthus collinus leaf extract against the pathogens like Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus and Candida spp.. Mostly these pathogens are the causative agents for skin infections and urinary tract infections. Cleistanthus collinus leaves were collected and the crude extract was prepared using various organic solvents and water. Thin layer chromatography with suitable stationary phase and mobile phase was employed to check the presence of active principles of the plant leaves. One of the chief active principles, Cleistanthin A was isolated and partially characterized using chromatography methods and spectroscopy analysis. Antioxidant assay was also performed with the plant extract. The results reveal positive medicinal properties of the plant leaves.