Phytochemical Analysis and Inhibitory Effect of Citrus aurantium L. (Bitter Orange) Leaves on some Bacterial Isolates in vitro

Abstract

This study has been done in order to investigate the phytochemicals constitution and determine in vitro antimicrobial activity of aqueous and methanolic Citrus aurantium L. leaves extract against bacteria. The organic solvent extraction done by used Soxhlet apparatus, solvents used were methanol (80%), while aqueous extract was prepared by using magnetic stirrer. The phytochemical analysis of plant extract was performed using precipitation and coloration methods. Antibacterial activity of methanolic and aqueous of Citrus aurantium L. leaves extract determined by disc diffusion and agar well diffusion method. The different concentrations of aqueous and methanolic Citrus aurantium L. leaves extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity against selected bacteria. The phytochemical screening of aqueous and methanolic Citrus aurantium L. leaves extract revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenols and tannins, while the glycosides detectable in the methanolic extract only, and the terpenoids not detectable. Both aqueous and methanolic Citrus aurantium L. leaves extract at concentrations (5% and 10%) showed considerable antibacterial activity against (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aerugenosa and Proteus mirabilis). To conclude, the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Citrus aurantium L. leaves was efficiency against some bacteria strains.