PHYSICOCHEMICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is a moderate to large deciduous tree, belonging to family Fabaceae. It is considered as an extremely useful source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and for industrial product development. The present study includes physicochemical parameters like ash value, extractive value, fluorescence analysis, moisture content and preliminary phytochemical screening along with mineral analysis. Antimicrobial activity was also assessed for this plant. The physicochemical constants obtained were within normal levels prescribed by standards. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of primary and secondary metabolites in various solvent extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium bark. The estimated mineral composition was in good amounts which would serve as a device for deciding dosage of ayurvedic drug prepared from the plant. Antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method indicated the zone of inhibition which ranges from 11-22mm for different extracts. Further evaluation of test samples for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using micro dilution method showed that the methanol extract had exhibited significant activity by inhibiting S.typhi, E.faecalis at 12.5μg/ml and A.niger at 25μg/ml. The present paper will provide the data which is helpful in correct identification, standardization of this medicinal plant prior to carrying out further pharmacological evaluation and also help in preventing its adulteration.