SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY EXTRACTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PHYTOCHEMICALS FROM AN INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANT

*Shaikh Arif Mohammad Salim

ABSTRACT

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance has reduced the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and created an urgent need for alternative therapeutic agents.[1] Medicinal plants represent an important source of antimicrobial phytochemicals; however, their extraction often relies on toxic solvents and energy-intensive techniques.[2] The present study aimed to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly extraction method for isolating antimicrobial phytochemicals using a green solvent system. Leaves of Wrightia tinctoria were extracted using an ethanol–water mixture and compared with a conventional methanol-based Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and alkaloids in both extracts. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. The green extract exhibited comparable or superior antimicrobial activity while significantly reducing solvent toxicity and energy consumption. The findings support the application of eco-friendly extraction strategies in sustainable pharmaceutical research.

Keywords: Green extraction, antimicrobial resistance, phytochemicals, medicinal plants, Sustainable Pharmaceuticals.