IN-VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY AND PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZII AND STANDARDIZATION OF HERBAL PRODUCT FORMULATION

Abstract

Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of Kappaphycus alvarezii were investigated. Kappaphycus alvarezii synonymously known as red algae is one of the most important sources used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic and haemostatic properties. We have isolated different bacterial and fungal strains from soil landfill. The bacterial strains were characterized using biochemical tests and gram staining method while fungal strains were identified on the basis of morphological characteristics. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of different extracts of red algae were tested against different bacterial and fungal strains which are Shigella flexneri, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium species, etc. using the disc diffusion assay. Phytochemical analysis of the red algae revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, terpenoids, phenolic and tannin. The quantitative analysis of aqueous extracts of red algae was evaluated. We have checked the antimicrobial activity of red algae, extracted from different solvent against different pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Cow urine extract and benzene extract was found to be very effective against majority of fungal strains similarly cow urine extract and acetone extract was found to be very effective against bacterial strain. Minimum inhibitory concentration was also calculated for different solvent extracts of red algae. We have also performed the thin layer chromatography of red algae sample which resulted in the presence of metabolic compounds like alkaloids and triterpinoids .The preliminary studies on Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts exhibited their antimicrobial potential which could be exploited further for cosmetic applications. In order to identify the cosmetic potential of Kappaphycus alvarezii physical, biological as well as chemical parameters are evaluated. Hence, this study would lead to the development of biologically active compounds which can be employed in the formulation of cosmetic product.