Bioassay-guided isolation and characterization of anti-bacterial compound from Sonneratia apetala Buch. Ham leaf, from Maharashtra coast of India

Mangroves, collection of plants growing in coastal intertidal zones, are rich source of unique bioactive phytochemicals present in their bark, roots, leaves and fruits. They show anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this study, a bioassay-guided isolation and characterization approach was taken to study the anti-bacterial compound from Sonnerartia apetala Buch. Ham leaf. Petroleum ether, acetone and water extracts were prepared and tested against eight human pathogenic bacteria. Water and acetone extracts have shown the inhibition of bacteria but the acetone extract was carried forward for further study. The compound was isolated using preparative column chromatography method. The isolated compound was studied for anti-bacterial activity using TLC-bioautography . The bioactive compound was isolated and tested against standard antibiotics and showed positive results against E. coli and B.subtilis. The isolated pure compound was studied for detection of elements and melting point. Further chacterization was done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy indicating absorption in the UV spectrum and presence of aromatic and aliphatic groups. This study validates the importance of Sonneratia apetala leaves as an important resource in traditional medicine for anti-bacterial remedies aimed at human pathogenic diseases.