Phytochemical screening and comparative antimicrobial potential of different extracts of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves

Objective: To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemical screening of the crude extracts of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.

Methods: The essential oil and crude extracts were prepared by using different usual method.Antimicrobial and antifungal activities were measured by the well established methods.

Results: Highest antifungal index [(12.13依0.08) mm)] and lowest antifungal index [(9.13依0.04) mm]as well as highest antibacterial index [(11.89依0.07) mm] and lowest antibacterial index [(7.24依0.03)mm] were obtained for extracts B, H, A and F, respectively. Invariably extract C, E, I, J and H didnot show antimicrobial activity. The extract F showed all antifungal and antibacterial activity except Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium.

Conclusions: The above findings support the idea that plant extracts of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves may have a role to be used as pharmaceuticals or preservatives.