Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Activities of Syzygium polyanthum Methanolic Leaves Extract

Background: Since a long time ago, Syzygium polyanthum has become traditional herb for health, and thus many studies done to confirm the medical effectiveness. Objectives: This present study was conducted to evaluate phytochemical compounds and antibacterial activities of methanolic extract of S. polyanthum leaves. Materials and Methods: In the present study, standard methods of determination were used to determine the phytochemical compounds of S. polyanthum. The methanol extract of S. polyanthum leaves were subjected for antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against five bacterial strains by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibition. Diameters of the zone of inhibition were compared with standard antibiotics. Results: Phytochemical analyses qualitatively reveal the presence of alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids and steroid. The extract was found to exert antibacterial activity against four tested bacteria which are S. aureus, S. pyogenes, MRSA and K. pneumoniae except for E. coli. The zones of inhibition shown by the disc diffusion method for S. aureus were between 8.6 to14.0 mm, S. pyogenes were between 8.4 to 12.0 mm, MRSA was between 10.0 to 13.2 mm and K. pneumoniae were between 8.0 to 10.6 mm. Meanwhile, there was no zone of inhibition was observed for E. coli. The MIC was determined ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/ml against all the tested bacteria. The highest value of MIC showed by S. aureus, S. pyogenes, MRSA and K. pneumoniae which is 6.25 mg/mL. Conclusion: The tested leaves extract showed promising antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids and steroid in methanolic leaves extract qualitatively and these compounds could be responsible for antibacterial properties of leaves extract of S. polyanthum.