Exploration of Phytoconstituents, Antitubercular & Antimicrobial Potential of Acclaimed spices-Ceiba pentandra and Parmotrema perlatum

Abstract

Ceiba pentandra and Parmotrema perlatum lichen are two illustrious spices. Ceiba pentandra is commonly known as Kapok belongs to the family Malvaceae. Apart from their value as aromas, these are also known for their therapeutic properties. Both are well-known appetisers. Decoctions of these powders are used to treat coughs, anorexia, and helminthiasis, among other ailments. Although there have been several studies on the antimicrobial activities of these two plants, there have been very few studies on resistant microorganisms and anti-tubercular activity. As a result, the author attempted to identify the phytochemical constituents present in methanolic and n-hexane extracts of Ceiba pentandra and Parmotrema perlatum using phytochemical tests and the GC-MS method before evaluating antibacterial activity against 5 resistant microorganisms using the microtitre broth dilution method with ciprofloxacillin and streptomycin as reference standards. Methanolic extracts of Parmotrema perlatum and Ceiba pentandra were found to be more antibacterial than n-hexane extracts, with 90% growth inhibition against H37Rv resistant mycobacterium strains at 80 and 320 micrograms/ml, respectively. Both species' n-hexane extracts were associated with poor outcomes against H37 Rv.