Antibacterial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Catharanthes roseus L.

Catharanthes roseus L. plant belongs to Apocynaceace family. Mostly all the members of this family having alkaloid content in their phytochemicals. In this study antibacterial activity of ethanolic and methanolic leaves extract of Catharanthes roseus L. were assessed against E-coli bacteria. Ethanolic leaves extract showed positive results against E-coli bacteria from 5 mg to 20 mg concentration. At 5 mg concentration 1.5 mm, 10 mg concentration 2.0 mm, 15 mg concentration 4.5 mm and at 20 mg concentration 8.5 mm zone of inhibition were observed. Ethanolic and methanolic both extract showed positive results. So, Vinca leaves having antibacterial property because of the presence of different phytochemical constituents. Further research can provide the data of specific phytochemical which is responsible for the activity.