Author(s): Nilip Kanti Deb, Jhuma Deb and Abhik SI

Abstract: The bark of Gardenia latifolia Ait., an important medicinal plant was subjected to phytochemical screening and antibacterial investigation. The Preliminary phytochemical studies of bark extracts revealed the presence of the bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, steroids and tannins in the bark. Methanol extracts of stem bark showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. The bioactive compounds responsible for these antimicrobial activities could be isolated and identified to develop a new drug of pharmaceutical interest.