Investigating the Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Activities of Bark Extract of Harpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk against Food Isolates

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial potential of Harpullia arborea (Blanco) Radlk. (Sapindaceae) bark against food isolates. The secondary metabolites present in Harpullia arborea were found to be carbohydrates, phenolics, saponins, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, quinones and terpenoids. The antimicrobial activity was determined in the bark extracts using agar disc diffusion method. Among the 2 solvents extracts, methanol extracts showed good inhibitory activity, than chloroform extract. Both bark extracts have demonstrated a substantial antibacterial activity towards Gram negative than Gram positive bacteria. This plant extracts which proved to be potentially effective can be used as natural alternative preventives to control food isolates.