This study aimed at the investigation of phytochemical and anti-bacterial activity of Acanthus ilicifolius (L.). For
this, the qualitative identification of phytochemicals was done in the crude ethanolic stem bark extract of the plant. The
anti-bacterial sensitivity test was performed by using disc diffusion and serial dilution methods against Escherichia coli,
Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus entericus and Staphylococcus aureus. Results suggest that the crude
extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, glycosides, steroids, tannins, carbohydrates,
fixed oils and fats. The extract at 500 μg/disc produced 14 and 12 mm zones of inhibition against B. subtilis and B.
megaterium, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations calculated for B. subtilis and B. megaterium was 46.875
μg/mL. In conclusion, the ethanolic stem bark extract of A. ilicifolius showed an inhibitory effect against the test bacterial
strains, suggesting the plant may be a good source of anti-bacterial agents.