Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of bark of Bombax ceiba L.

Bombax ceiba L. is the member of family Bombacaceae. It is commonly known as Salmali, Ruka-Pusha, Semul or Semal, etc. It is a fast-growing tree because of which, is suitable for avenue plantation. Spines are found on the trunk of young tree for providing protection. The tree is about 20-40 m tall. Flowers are red-coloured and large-sized, and therefore it is known as Red-Silk cotton tree. Qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of bark shows the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, phlobatannins, carbohydrates etc. The phytochemicals present in the plant provide protection, strength to plants. The anti-microbial activity was done in different solvents. The maximum zone of inhibition of 26.67 mm was observed against Bacillus subtilis of DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) extract. The minimum zone of inhibition of 7 mm was observed against Streptococcus mutans of ethanol extract, and Bacillus subtilis of aqueous extract.