Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of Odontonema Strictum (Acanthaceae) Against selected bacteria

The evaluation of the antibacterial activity using five bacterial strains (Klebsiella, Shigela, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) showed that the most active leaf extract was that of Odontonema strictum (Acanthaceae) compared to that of Solanum torvum, Symphytum officinale L. and Aphelandra squarrosa. The inhibition diameters were measured and no resistance was observed at the concentration of 100 g/ml across all bacterial strains.  The Activity Index (AI) values of Odontonema strictum (OSM) were determined using chloramphenicol as a positive standard antibiotic. The results showed that OSM is four fold more bactericidal than the standard on Klebsiella. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids.