Abstract

Tamarinds indica L. of the family Fabaceae is known to be used in folk medicine. Among efforts to verify this scientifically, the antimicrobial activities of the leaves extract were investigated against Gram negative and positive bacteria. The results were supported by SM images. The phytochemical constituents of the dried powdered leaves were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents. The antimicrobial activity of this extract was evaluated by using inhibition zone diameter, of both Gram negative and positive bacteria and fungi using agar well diffusion method. The most pronouns effect was shown by the ethanol extract. Studies on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts on the tested organisms showed that the lowest MIC and MBC were demonstrated against Klebsiella pneumoniae andMicrococcus luteus, but the highest MIC and MBC was exhibited against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of four major compounds, identified as flavanoidal glycosides. Using the total ion chromatography (TIC) two major compounds were identified as Orientin and Vitexin. The present study suggested that T. indica could have wide spectrum antimicrobial activity, therefore a new classes of antibiotics could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control.

Key words: Tamarindus indica, antibacterial, antifungal, phytochemical constituents, crude extract.