Abstract:
Background: Atalantica ceylanica plant has been recognized as a multi-purpose medicinal
plant which is widely applied to treat respiratory tract infections. Recently, this plant has gained
popularity among people for its perceived role in preventing coronavirus infection.
Objective: The study aimed to investigate antibacterial activity of different solvents
extractions of leaf of A.ceylanica plant against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027).
Methods: Leaves of A.ceylanica were collected from Medagama in the Monaragala district
and shade dried. It was powered and extracted using maceration technique with methanol and
acetone separately. The antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of A.ceylanica was determined
against S.aureus and P.aeruginosa by using agar well diffusion method by employing
Amoxicillin as the standard. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at 5% significance
level. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on the extracts of leaf.
Results: Mean values of zones of inhibition against the S. aureus for methanol extracts of
leaves was 16.67±1.53 mm, whereas the acetone extract of leaves was shown 18.34±0.58 mm
at concentrations of 100 mg/mL. Mean values of inhibition zones against the P. aeruginosa for
methanol extract of leaves was 18.34±0.58 mm, whereas the acetone extract of leaves was
found to be 18±0.00 mm at concentrations of 100 mg/mL. The inhibitory effects showed by
the standard and extract of leaves of A.ceylanica differed significantly (P<0.05) and exhibited
superior antibacterial avtivity. Methanol and acetone extractions of leaves of A.ceylanica
consist of important phytochemicals compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides,
polyphenol, sterol and tannins.
Conclusions: The methanol and acetone extracts from A. ceylanica leaves have antibacterial
potential, might be due to the presence of potent phytochemical compounds. These findings
highlight the plant's potential for developing novel antimicrobial agents
