Abrus precatorius L. : A medicinal plant with potential as antibacterial agent

Abrus precatorius L. is a medicinal plant. The medicinal properties of the plants are determined by the presence of secondary metabolites (phytochemical constituents) in it. In the present study the phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity in the methanol extract of five parts (leaves, stem, flowers, seed coat and seeds) of A. precatorius was carried out to analyses the presence of phytochemicals and inhibitory effect of the plant against plant (Xanthomonas campestris) and animal pathogenic bacteria (Aeromonas hydrophila). The result of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids in the selected plant. The methanol extract of seeds showed significant inhibition (p< 0.005) in antibacterial studies. Hence due the presence of maximum numbers of the phytochemicals and inhibitory effects, A. precatorius plant might be used as antibacterial agent to control the plant and animal pathogens.