Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial activity of Physalis peruviana L. calyces

Background: The Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) calyces are rich in phytochemical compounds which have promising biological activity. Objective: In the present study, a preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to explore the nature of calyces. The total methanolic extract and n-butanol fraction of P. peruviana calyces were investigated in terms of their antimicrobial activity. Method: Methanol extract and n-butanol fraction were tested for their anti-microbial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical screening showed that calyces are rich in saponins, flavonoids, Steroids and/or triterpenes, Carbohydrates and/or glycosides; while Alkaloids and/or nitrogenous base, tannins, Anthraquinones were absent. The n-butanol fraction showed inhibition zones (16 ± 0.16 mm) for B. subtilis and (10 ± 0.17 mm) for S. aureus, while the methanolic extract showed inhibition zones of (13 ± 0.21 mm) and (8 ± 0.18 mm) for B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively. On the other hand, no inhibition zones were detected for Gram-negative bacteria or C. albicans Conclusion: The total methanolic extract and n-butanol fraction displayed strong antibacterial activity against B. subtilisthan S. aureus, while both of them didn’t show activity against Gram-negative strains or C. albicans