Antimicrobial and Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Leaves and Fruits (Fruit-Pulp) Of Adansonia Digitata L.

Abstract

The leaves and fruits (fruit-pulp) of Adansonia digitata L. were collected in the month of January and processed to dry powder separately. They were subjected to soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether and alcohol. The extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against the organisms Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Aspergillus niger and

Aspergillus flavus following cup- plate method. The extracts were also used to test various neuropharmacological potentiality viz., marble burying test, forced swimming test, horizontal wire test and chimney test. The results of antimicrobial screening of ethanolic extract were encouraging. The ethanolic extract of leaves has shown good results as sedative, muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety agent, than petroleum ether extract. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids and alkaloids in either or both extracts. These results show that Adansonia digitata L has potential drug molecules which need to be isolated and studied, further, in detail.