Chemical and Biological Investigations of the Leaf Extracts of Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae)

Introduction: Andrographis paniculata is a plant employed in traditional medicine among the natives of Owerri, Eastern Nigeria, management several ailments. In this study leaf was investigated for its chemical constituents and to validate antimicrobial activity ethnomedicine. Methods: The fresh steam-distilled obtain volatile oil which subjected FT-IR GC-MS analysis. powdered air-dried also extracted with methanol crude extract phytochemical methanolic partitioned into hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate 50% chloroform corresponding fractions. fractions were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans Aspergillus niger. biologically active fraction further purified using column chromatography Results: steam distillation gave an analysis indicated presence butylated hydroxytoluene, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, dibutyl phthalate, 8,11-octadecadienoic 11-octadecenoic ester bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Phytochemical showed tannins, alkaloids, sterols/steroids, flavonoids, oils, terpenoids, saponins phenols. Among extractives, chloroform-soluble highest S. aureus B. subtilis while none extracts C. A. It found that hexane-soluble inactive all test organisms ethylacetate-soluble broadest spectrum anti-bacterial activity. Column chromatographic separation on by comparison standard library computer MS data led identification some constituents, including aromatic compounds, sterols, alicyclics long-chain hydrocarbons carbonyl compounds such as carboxylic acids, esters lactones. Conclusion: exhibited support medicinal use manage infections. Also, identified phyto-constituents may be responsible ethno-medicinal properties plant.