International Research Journal of Biological Sciences ___________________________________ ISSN 2278-3202 Vol. 2(10), 1-6, October (2013) Int. Res. J. Biological Sci. International Science Congress Association 1 Phytochemical screening and Antibacterial Activity of Western Region wild leaf Colocasia esculenta Nakade Dhanraj B 1 . Mahesh S. Kadam 2 , Kiran N. Patil 3 and Vinayak S. Mane 2 1 Department of Microbiology, Govt. Rajaram College, Kolhapur-416004, MS, INDIA 2 Department of Microbiology, Dr. Ghali College, Gadhinglaj-416502, Dist. Kolhapur, MS, INDIA 3 Department of Chemistry, Dr. Ghali College, Gadhinglaj-416502, Dist. Kolhapur, MS, INDIA Available online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me Received 19 th June 2013, revised 8 th July 2013, accepted 8 th August 2013 Abstract The present study aims at evaluating the antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of Colocasia esculenta. It is an important medicinal plant in India which is used in traditional medicine. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. Leaves of Colocasiaesculenta were extracted with organic solvent like ethyl acetate and its biological activity against antibacterial strain was checked for 100 ppm concentration. Leaf juice of this plant is applied over scorpion sting or in snake bite as well as it is used in food poisoning of plant origin. Keywords: Colocasia esculenta Linn, extracts and phytochemistry, antibacterial properties, pathogens, disc diffusion method. Introduction Colocasia is a genus of 25 or more species of flowering plants of family Araceae, native to tropical region and southeastern Asia. Common names include Elephant-ear, Cocoyam, Chembu, and Eddoe. Elephant-ear and Cocoyam are also used for some other large-leaved genera in the Araceae 1 . It is thought to be the oldest cultivated plant in the world, having been cultivated in Asia for more than ten thousand years. Colocasia esculenta is herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family however the leaves are also used as leafy vegetables. Leaf juice of this plant is applied over scorpion sting or in snake bite as well as it is used in food poisoning of plant origin 2 . The large green leaves are often described as ‘elephant ear’and they can reach up to 1-2 m high during growth. The starchy and tuberous root is the main edible part of the crop, however the leaves are also used as the leafy vegetable. Colocasiaesculentaleaves have been reported to be rich innutrients including minerals and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin 3, . Among various edible aroids commercially cultivatedin India, Colocasiaesculenta assume note-worthy dietary significance having multiple uses in the form of various culinary preparations of its corm and edible stem. Fresh edible leaves of Colocasiaesculentaform rich source of protein, ascorbic acid, dietary fibre and some nutritionally important minerals 4 . Material and Methods Sample Collection: The Fresh parts of healthy leaves of Colocasiaesculenta was collected from Bellad corner of Gadhinglag,Tal-Gadhinglag, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtrain the month of November – December 2012 with proper identification. The leaves were washed with tap water then by distilled water and finally dried. Dried sample was grinded into fine powder by the help of a grinder. Preparation of Plant Extract: Plant material was separated into two different parts such as tuber and leaves. Only leaves were fine powered into grinder. Twenty gram of each powdered plant material was extracted separately at room temperature using various solvents namely methanol, water, ethylacetate with gentle stirring for 24 hrs. The filtered solvent was concentrated in water bath for 6 hrs 5-7 . Phytochemical Screening: i. Detection of alkaloids: Extracts were dissolved individually in dilute Hydrochloric acid and filtered. Hager’s Test: Filtrates were treated with Hager’s reagent (saturated picric acid solution). Presence of alkaloids was confirmed by the formation of yellow coloured precipitate. ii. Detection of carbohydrates: Extracts were dissolved individually in 5 ml distilled water and filtered. The filtrates were used to test for the presence of carbohydrates. Molisch’s Test: Filtrates were treated with 2 drops of alcoholic α-naphthol solution in a test tube. Formation of the violet ring at the junction indicates the presence of Carbohydrates. iii. Detection of phenols: Ferric Chloride Test: Extracts were treated with 3-4 drops of ferric chloride solution. Formation of bluish black colour indicates the presence of phenols. iv. DetectionofTannin: The 4ml extract was treated with 4 ml FeCl 3 after which formation of green colour was taken as positive for tannin. v. Detection of flavonoids: Alkaline Reagent Test: Extracts were treated with few drops of 10 % sodium hydroxide solution. Formation of intense yellow colour, which becomes colourless on addition of dilute acid, indicates the presence of flavonoids.