An Activity guided Isolation and Evaluation of various Solvent Extracts of the Leaves of Anjan Grass

Plan: The present study was undertaken to identify the possible bioactive components and antimicrobial activity in various polar solvents from the leaves of Anjan grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) (Poaceae).Materials and methods: New compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Aspergillus niger using disk diffusion method followed by MIC by broth dilution method.Outcome: Various aromatic, steroids, fatty acids and esters from C. ciliaris were identified. The prevailing compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of C. ciliaris were 4,22-stigmastadiene-3-one (2.41%), cyclopentacycloheptene (azulene) (1.81%), ergost-5-en-3-ol (3β, 24R)- (campesterol) (1.63%) and myristic acid, isopropyl ester (0.17%). The highest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the glacial acetic acid extract against P. mirabilis. The presence of various bioactive compounds justifies the use of this plant for various ailments by traditional practitioners. However, isolation of individual photochemical constituents and subjecting it to biological activity will definitely give fruitful results.