Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES ON THE MEDICINAL PLANT VITEX ALTISSIMA L.

G. Dayana Jeya Leela* , JK. Alphonsa Juliet Helina, V. Alex Ramani, T.Francis Xavier and A.Auxilia

ABSTRACT

The Vitex altissima L. is a species of Verbenaceae family. It is understood from the literature that less work has been done on this plant. This fact prompted us to undertake a study on this much less explored plant. The present work is based on phytochemical screening and anti-microbial studies of the hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Vitex altissima. And thus the medicinal plant is found to possess significant phyto-constituents. The presence of such a variety of phytochemicals may be attributed to the medicinal characteristics of this plant Vitex altissima. The plant Vitex altissima is used to treat stomatitis, cardiac diseases, anorexia, blindness, leprosy and worm infestation. Stem bark is taken to treat ephemeral fever, snake bite, rheumatic swellings and chest pains.

Keywords: Vitex altissima, phyto-chemical screening, antibacterial, antifungal.