Assessment of Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Acalypha Hispida

The ethanolic extract of leaves of Acalypha hispida was evaluated for phytochemical, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, reducing sugars and steroids. Cytotoxic activity was investigated by brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. The extract showed potent cytotoxic effect (LC50 19.95μg/ml) which is comparable to standard cytotoxic drug chloramphenicol (LC50 7μg/ml). Antibacterial activity was tested by disk diffusion method. The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhe and moderate activity against Enterococcus coli, Streptococcus saprophyticus and Streptococcus agalactin whereas Shigella dysentery found resistant at 250μg/disc and 500μg/disc. INTRODUCTION: The history of medicinal plants in remedy of different diseases is well established. Various species of different family of plant and other sources contribute in the development of present therapeutic processes. As a part of our ongoing research in Pharmacy Discipline, Khulna University phytochemical, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were studied in this experiment on Acalypha hispida. A. hispida (Euphorbiaceae) is an erect, sparsely branched shrub. The cultivar, 'Alba' has creamy-white catkins. Locally it is known as Sibjhul, Sibjota, Chenille plant etc. It is native to New Guinea, the Malay Archipelago and other islands in the East Indies . Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of Acalypha hispida indicated the presence of reducing Sugar, glycoside, steroid, flavonoid, saponin. Traditionally leaves poultice used for leprosy . Decoction of leaves and flowers taken internally as laxative, diuretic and gonorrhea. Bark root used for pulmonary problems. The decoction made from its aerial parts is used in infectious diarrhoea and dysentery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant material collection and extraction: The leaves of A. hispida was collected from the Boyra, Khulna, Bangladesh in 11 July 2009 at morning and identified by the experts of Bangladesh National Herbarium, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Accession number34471). A voucher specimen has been deposited in Pharmacy Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh. The collected plants were separated from undesirable materials or plants or plant parts and then were washed with water. They were shade-dried for four week. The plants were ground into a coarse powder with the help of a suitable grinder. The powder was stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark and dry place until analysis commenced.