Phytochemical Screening and
Antibacterial Activity of Malva
parviflora (L.) Leaf Extracts
Gashaw Fiseha
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
Email: [Insert contact email]
Abstract
Malva parviflora (L.), a medicinal plant traditionally used for treating inflammation and
infections, was investigated for its phytochemical constituents and antibacterial properties.
Leaves were extracted using methanol and fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and
ethyl acetate. Phytochemical screening identified compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids,
tannins, carbohydrates, glycosides, coumarins, saponins, quinones, and vitamin C.
Antibacterial tests using agar diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria
monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed weak activity in
chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. These
findings suggest limited antibacterial efficacy, yet support traditional medicinal use.
Keywords: Malva parviflora, Phytochemicals, Antibacterial Activity, Methanolic Extract,
Solvent Fractionation
1. Introduction
The ongoing search for natural antimicrobial agents is motivated by increasing resistance to
synthetic antibiotics. Plants remain a critical resource for new drug discovery. Malva
parviflora (L.), known locally as “Lit,” is used to treat respiratory issues, inflammation, and
wounds. However, scientific exploration of its antibacterial properties, particularly of the
leaf extract, remains scarce. This study aims to analyze its phytochemical profile and
antibacterial efficacy.
2. Materials and Methods
Plant Collection and Extraction: Fresh leaves of M. parviflora were collected from Dessie,
Ethiopia, and authenticated. Dried and powdered leaves were extracted in methanol via
maceration.
Fractionation: The methanolic crude extract was partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform,
and ethyl acetate. Yields were calculated.
Phytochemical Analysis: Qualitative tests were performed for alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols,
tannins, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, quinones, coumarins, vitamin C, proteins, and
resins.
Antibacterial Activity: Agar well diffusion tests were performed against four bacterial
strains. Zones of inhibition were measured at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL.
3. Results and Discussion
Phytochemical Composition: All tested compounds except proteins and resins were found in
the methanolic extract. Phenols were detected only in methanol, while alkaloids, flavonoids,
carbohydrates, and coumarins were common to all fractions.
Antibacterial Activity: The chloroform fraction showed mild activity against S. aureus, and
the ethyl acetate fraction showed activity against L. monocytogenes and K. pneumoniae. No
fraction inhibited E. coli. These results indicate that the plant's antibacterial activity is
modest and limited to specific bacterial strains.
4. Conclusion
M. parviflora leaf extracts contain significant phytochemicals, with limited antibacterial
activity. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were marginally effective against
certain bacteria, whereas the methanolic extract lacked activity. Further isolation of
bioactive compounds and in vivo studies are recommended.
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