
The present study was designed to carryout the prelimnary photochemical screening and to assess the anti-bacterial potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum searratum LINN. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, carbohydrates, proteins, carbonate and glycoside. In-vitro anti-bacterial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion method. The microorganisms used for anti-bacterial activity were staphylococcus hominis ATCC27844, Pseudomonas putida ATCC2021, Proteus vulgaris ATCC13315, Bacillus subtilis ATCC2063 and Escherichia coli ATCC2065. The most susceptible gram negative bacteria found were Pseudomonas putida ATCC2021 and Escherichia coli ATCC2065 with zones of inhibition ranging from 10±0.47mm to 23±0.22mm whereas the most susceptible gram negative bacteria found were staphylococcus hominis ATCC27844 followed by Proteus vulgaris ATCC13315 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC2063 with zones of inhibition ranging from10±0.23 mm to 20±0.23 mm. It was observed that with an increase in the concentration of the extract, there was an increase in the zone of inhibition and thus activity was found to be concentration dependent. Therefore, it was concluded from the results that the ethanolic leaf extract of Clerodendrum searratum LINN. Possess potent anti-bacterial activity and hence can be used for the treatment of various ailments caused by test organisms.