Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activities of Annona squamosa (L) leaf extracts

Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. There is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements and cosmetics. Annona squamosa (L) is a multipurpose tree with edible fruits and is a source one of the medicinal and industrial products. It is used as an antioxidant, anti-diabetics, hepato protective, cytotoxic, genetoxic, anti-tumour, anti-lice agent etc. This article intends to provide an overview of the chemical constituents present in the crude leaf extracts of Annona squamosa (L) with special emphasis on their pharmacological actions. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using the crude leaf extracts in three different solvents such as water, alcohol and chloroform. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, oils, saponins and flavanoids. A comparative antimicrobial activity of dried leaf extracts of Annona squamosa (L) were evaluated against two gram negative bacterial strains namely Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeroginosa and two clinical fungal pathogens namely Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by agar cup method. The leaf extracts of Annona squamosa (L) was found to have high antibacterial activity than anti-fungal activity. The results suggest that the leaves are a rich source of valuable primary and secondary metabolites exhibiting the antimicrobial activity.