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Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. (Fam. Oleaceae), commonly known as Harsingar or Night Jasmine, is a
common wild hardy large shrub or small tree. The decoction of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn. (Harsingar)
leaves are widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of sciatica, arthritis, fevers,
various painful conditions and as laxative. It has been reported that the seeds, flowers and leaves of
Nyctanthes arbortristis possesses immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antileishmanial, antiviral and
antifungal activities. The aim of the present investigation is to characterize the antimicrobial property of
the leaves of Nyctanthes, and find out its effect at on the microbes on their different concentration. In the
present study, Phyto chemical analysis revealed the present of various compounds like phenols,
flavanoids, proteins, carbohydrates. The antimicrobial test conducted for the leaves of Nyctanthes
arbortristis showed interesting antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative
microorganisms (chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts). Thus anti-microbial activity in leaves of
Harsingar supports its use in various conditions by the followers of the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
The immuno stimulant substances found in N. arbortristis are believed to play a role in its antiamoebic,
antileishmanial, antiviral and certain other activities.
Keywords - Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn, Antimicrobial, Secondary metabolites, Solvent extracts.