Abstract

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of Camellia sinensis and to assess the antibacterial activities of Camellia sinensis using in vitro antibacterial screening techniques. Extracts of leaves from the tea plant Camellia sinensis contain polyphenolic components with activity against a wide spectrum of microbes. Studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown that the green tea polyphenoliccatechins, in particular (−)-epigallocatechingallate (EGCg) and (−)-epicatechingallate (ECg), can inhibit the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species with moderate potency. The leaves were collected from the market and identified by the Pharmacognosy department of our own college. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence flavonoids.The study was carried out on various species of bacteria including E-coli (MTCC No.40), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC No.87), Proteus vulgaris (MTCC No.742), Pseudomona saeruginosa (MTCC No.424), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC No.441), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC No.9041), and Micrococcus luteus (MTCC No.106), using cup plate method. The results obtained were compared against standard antibiotic streptomycin. The aqueous extract is effective against proteus vulgaris and alcoholic extract is found effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,  Micrococcus luteus. The ability of tea plant extract to inhibit the growth of bacterial strains is an indication of its antibacterial property that might be used in the management of bacterial infections in future.