Extraction And Isolation Of The Alkaloids From The Samanea Saman (Acacia) Bark: Its Antiseptic Potential

Antiseptics are being used to prevent the growth of pathogens which are major causes of diseases. Unfortunately, not everyone can use these antiseptics because of its price in the market. With this, the use of plants as sources of antiseptics gives rise to the continuous study of indigenous plants. Extraction and isolation of constituents such as alkaloid are commonly studied. It is believed that the isolated alkaloids can be formulated into drugs or antiseptics. This study aimed to investigate on the antibacterial potential of the alkaloidal extracts from the bark of Samanea saman which could be a raw material in the formulation of effective antiseptics that can be used to combat diseases, thus, this study was conducted. Specifically, the study sought answers to the following questions: 1) to determine the percentage yield of the crude acacia extract and alkaloid-rich fraction from the acacia bark, 2) to find out the number of alkaloids present in the acacia bark extract, 3) to test the antiseptic potential of the isolated alkaloids against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, and lastly, to determine the implications of this study to science and technology and to other areas of science. Based on the outcome of this research, similar studies should be conducted to the acacia bark using other solvent in extraction. The use of other solvent systems for the determination of the number of components of alkaloids should be encouraged. A follow-up study concerning the determination of functional groups and elucidation of isolated alkaloids are suggested. Conduct further study on the antibacterial potential of acacia tree against other bacteria, fungi and virus to extend its clinical uses. Organic chemistry classes may conduct experiments on the local production of indigenous plants that are possible sources of alkaloids. Community outreach program may involve the conservation and propagation of acacia tree to increase the source of alkaloids.