Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and phytochemical screening of Ficus septica Burm and Sterculia foetida L. leaf extracts

Ethanol extracts of leaves of Ficus septica Burm and Sterculia foetida L. were examined for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and cytotoxic properties. To determine these activities, the extracts were tested against bacteria and fungus through disc diffusion assay; against protozoa through growth curve determination, antiprotozoal and cytotoxicity assays. The extracts revealed antibacterial activities, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureusand Escherichia coli. Antifungal assay for F. septica extract showed that it inhibited Candida albicans. The antiprotozoal assay against Trichomonas vaginalis showed that F. septica can reduce the number of parasites. Moreover, antiprotozoal assays against Entamoeba histolytica revealed that F. septica andS. foetida can inhibit the growth of the parasites, wherein the action can be comparable to metronidazole. With the in situ cell death detection kit, T. vaginalis exposed to F. septica and E. histolytica exposed to F. septica and S.foetida were observed to fluoresce in red surrounded by a yellow signal signifying apoptotic-like changes. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the chemical composition of F. septica extracts containing alkaloids, quaternary base, tannins, 2-deoxysugars, and benzopyrone nucleus, while S. foetidapossessing tannins, 2-deoxysugars, leucoanthocyanin, and benzopyrone nucleus. Thus, these plant extracts can possibly be used to produce alternative forms of antimicrobials.   Key words: Leaf extract, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, cytotoxic, phytochemical screening, Ficus septica, Sterculia foetida.