International Journal of ChemTech Research CODEN (USA): IJCRGG ISSN : 0974-4290 Vol.6, No.9, pp 4078-4083, September 2014 RTBCE 2014[12 th August 2014] Recent Trends in Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering Studies on the Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Leaves of Trees in Chennai - I S. Bhuvaneswari*, K.R. Aravind 1 , B. Ramkumar 1 , N. Vinod Raja 1 , A. Neelakandan 1 , P. Mukesh Kumar 1 , N.K. Udaya Prakash 2 1 Department of Biotechnology, St. Joseph’s Engineering College, Semmenjeri, Chennai 600119, India 2 School of Biological Sciences, Veltech Dr. RR Dr. SR Technical University 42, Avadi- Alamadhi Road, Avadi, Chennai 600062, India * Research and Development, MARINA LABS, 40, Anna Nedum Pathai, Choolaimedu, Chennai 600094, India *Corres.author: s_bhuvaneswari8@yahoo.co.in Abstract : In continuation of our previous studies, the bio-efficacy and the phytochemical constituents of leaves of 5 more common trees of Chennai was evaluated. Methanolic extracts of the leaves of 5 common trees in Chennai, i.e. Ceiba pentandra (Malvaceae), Couroupita guianensis (Lecythidaceae), Lannea coromandelica (Anacardiaceae), Mimusops elengi (Sapotaceae) and Plumeria obtusa (Apocynaceae) were studied for their bio activities. Antibacterial efficacy was studied through Micro-Broth Dilution method, antioxidant property using free radical scavenging assay with DPPH, larvicidal activity using the larvae of Artemia salina and pesticidal potential using the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae. The phytochemical studies revealed that saponin is present in all 5 tree leaves and phlobatannin is absent in all. The plant, Lannea coromandelica has showed significant activity against the bacteria studied. The plants Ceiba pentandra and Mimusops elengi have recorded EC 50 value at lower concentration of 15 μg/mL. At 48 hours of exposure, 100 % mortality of the larvae, Artemia salina was observed only for Lannea coromandelica. The pesticidal activity revealed that the maximum mortality (100 %) was recorded at 24 th hour treatment for all the leaf extracts of the plants studied. The study revealed that the leaves of different species exhibit different bio activities. The leaves of Lannea coromandelica has recorded better bactericidal and larvicidal activity. However, Ceiba pentandra and Mimusops elengi has recorded better antioxidant ability. Thus, proper scientific validation is needed to study the importance of individual plant in specific application. This results in identification of suitable plant material with certain biological properties. Key Words: Trees, Ceiba pentandra, Couroupita guianensis, Lannea coromandelica, Mimusops elengi, Plumeria obtusa, Chennai. Introduction Plants are widely used treatment of diseases in all ancient system of medicine. Due to the chemical diversity and novelty found in plants 1 more than 80 % of the world’s population relies on traditional medicine 2 . Herbal medicines are considered as time tested and safe 3 . Their effectiveness in cost, availability and