Author(s):

Sandeep Bains, Rajdeep Kaur and Manisha Sethi

Abstract: Over centuries, cultures around the world have learned how to use plants to fight illness and maintain health. These readily available and culturally important traditional medicines form the basis of an accessible and affordable health-care regime and are an important source of livelihood for indigenous and rural populations. <em>Nyctanthes arbor-tristis</em> commonly known as Night Jasmine and <em>Harsingar </em>is an important traditional medicinal plant. The present study deals with preliminary phytochemical screening and quantification estimation of bioactive constituents like phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and proteins using standard methods. The extraction of the plant source was done using ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol and distilled water. Presence of major phytochemicals like Phenolics, Flavonoids and Alkaloids had been detected in the extract whereas quinones, anthraquinones and carboxylic acids were found to be absent in the plant extract. It was observed that yield of extract was more (46ml/50 ml) when the leaves of the plant was extracted with distilled water while it was 44ml/50 ml when extracted with 70% ethanol. The total phenolic content of <em>Harsingar </em>was 208.25 mg when extracted with 70% ethanol and 107.33 mg with distilled water. The antibacterial activity of the plant was recorded. When the plant source was treated against both <em>S. Aureus </em>bacteria and<em> E. Coli<strong> </strong></em>bacteria, with extraction using 70% ethanol, maximum zone of inhibition (16 mm and 7 mm respectively) was noticed. The findings of the study also revealed that ethyl alcoholic extract was more effective than aqueous extract for anti bacterial finish when applied on the cotton fabric.

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