Phytochemical and antibacterial assay of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb). DC

Abstract

Zanthoxylum rhetsa is a tall deciduous tree, commonly known as Indian prickly ash in English and Kothumurikku or Mullilavu in Malayalam. The present investigation aims to analyze qualitatively the different phytochemicals present in the fruits of Z. rhetsa and evaluate its antioxidant properties as well as antibacterial activity.  The fruit extracts from the collected sample, during November, were tested for the presence of bioactive compounds. Various phytochemicals like carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavanoids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, steroids, anthraquinons etc were analysed. The modified ferric ion reducing method was used to assay antioxidant property¹. Phytochemical analysis of methanol and ethanol extract of fruit indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, saponins, coumarins, steroids and chalcons.  Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcos aereus, Klebsiella exhibited sensitivity towards methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of fruit.  Serratia was not sensitive to the extracts of fruit. The antioxidant property was promising. The present study revealed that Z. rhetsa contains principles with antioxidant as well as antibacterial property.