Phytochemical screening and susceptibility of bacteria pathogens to extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides

The in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of the whole plant (leaves and twigs) of Evolvulus alsinoides was investigated on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by agar well diffusion technique. The results indicate that glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and volatile oil were better extracted in ethanol than water. The ethanolic extract of the plant had MIC values ranging from 16mg/ml to 512.5mg/ml. The least MIC was 16mg/ml against Salmonella typhi while Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest MIC of 512.5 mg/ml. In the aqueous extract the MIC ranged between 512.5mg/ml to >1025mg/ml. Salmonella typhi, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus were not inhibited by the water extract.