Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Malva
parviflora Leaves Extract
Gashaw Fiseha
Department of Chemistry, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
Email:
[email protected]Abstract
Malva parviflora is traditionally used in Ethiopia for treating various ailments including
cough, inflammation, and infections. This study investigates the phytochemical
constituents and evaluates the antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts and solvent
fractions of M. parviflora leaves. Methanolic crude extracts and fractions (n-hexane,
chloroform, and ethyl acetate) were screened for phytochemicals and tested against
Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella
pneumoniae using agar diffusion methods. Results indicated the presence of several
phytochemicals and mild antibacterial activity in some fractions, particularly chloroform
and ethyl acetate fractions. Methanolic extracts showed no activity against the tested
pathogens. These findings support the traditional use of M. parviflora and suggest its
potential in antibacterial therapy.
Keywords: Malva parviflora, phytochemicals, antibacterial activity, solvent fractionation,
Ethiopia
I. Introduction
The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is gaining attention for new drug
discoveries. Malva parviflora, commonly used in Ethiopian ethnomedicine, contains
secondary metabolites with potential health benefits. This study aimed to identify the
phytochemical constituents and assess the antibacterial properties of M. parviflora leaf
extracts.
II. Materials and Methods
A. Plant Collection and Extraction
Leaves of M. parviflora were collected from Dessie, authenticated, dried, and extracted
with methanol. Solvent partitioning was performed using n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl
acetate.
B. Phytochemical Screening
Standard tests were conducted to detect the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols,
tannins, glycosides, carbohydrates, coumarins, and other phytochemicals.
C. Antibacterial Activity
Using agar well diffusion, extracts were tested against four bacteria. Zones of inhibition
were measured, and results were recorded in triplicate.
III. Results
A. Phytochemical Constituents
The methanol crude extract showed the presence of multiple phytochemicals. Alkaloids,
flavonoids, carbohydrates, and coumarins were consistently found across all fractions.
Phenols were exclusive to the methanol extract.
B. Antibacterial Activity
Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated low inhibitory activity against S.
aureus and L. monocytogenes. Methanol extracts exhibited no antibacterial activity
against all tested organisms.
IV. Discussion
The observed phytochemicals are consistent with known bioactive compounds. While
methanol extracts lacked antibacterial effects, fractionation revealed mild activity,
possibly due to concentration and solubility of active constituents.
V. Conclusion
M. parviflora contains valuable phytochemicals. Though its crude methanol extract lacks
antibacterial activity, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed potential. Further
studies at higher concentrations and compound isolation are recommended.
VI. References
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