Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF CHOSEN PLANTS

A.Sivagurunathan*, K.Mary Packiam and B.Xavier Innocent

Abstract

Antimicrobial potential of aqueous, benzene and Ethanolic extracts of the green leaves of common herbs like Acalypha indica, Sesbania grandiflora, Alternanthera sessilis, Amaranthus viridis, Mentha piperita and Coriandrum sativum was evaluated by well diffusion method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Vibrio cholera and Bacillus subtilis. Ethanolic extracts of all the plants exhibited higher antimicrobial potential than benzene and aqueous extracts. Ethanolic extract of A.indica produced maximum zone of inhibition against K.pneumonia, whereas ethanolic extracts of S.grandiflora, A.sessilis, A.viridis, M.piperita and C.sativum were more potent in resisting B.subtilis, S.typhi, K.pneumonia, S.typhi, V.cholera respectively. Thus dietary intake of green leafy vegetables not only provides nutrients but also act as health boosters enhancing the body’s immune system to combat a wide range of pathogens.

Keywords: Antimicrobial Activity, Acalypha indica, Sesbania grandiflora, Alternanthera sessilis, Amaranthus viridis, Mentha piperita, Coriandrum sativum.