Abstract

The bioactive compounds of fruits of Coccinia indica were investigated for antibacterial activity against some pathogenic bacteria. The aqueous extracts did not show much significant activity, while the organic extracts (petroleum ether and methanol) showed the highest activity against the test bacteria. The activity was more pronounced on gram-positive organisms with Staphylococcus aureus being more susceptible and Salmonella paratyphi A being more resistant. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extracts contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and phenols.

Key words: Coccinia indica, antibacterial activity, phytochemical analysis.