Preliminary phytochemical analysis of bark of Ficus racemosa Linn and antibacterial activity of its bark oil.

Abstract

The leaves, fruits and bark of Ficus racemosa Linn, are used in the Ayurveda for the treatment of dysentery, skin diseases, diabetes, asthma and inflammatory swellings. Phytochemical screening of the bark showed positive tests for sterols, saponins and tannins. Agar well diffusion method proved that methanolic extracts of the oil prepared from the bark possess good antibacterial activity against the tested Gram positive strains and has shown intermediate action against tested Gram negative strains.