Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial potential of Andrographis ovata Clarke

The aim of the present study was to investigate phytochemical and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of various leaf extracts of Andrographis ovata. Ethanol, methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of this plant were evaluated against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae and the fungal strains Penicillium notatum, Penicillium pinophilum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus nidulans. Among the five extracts evaluated, chloroform extract was found to have the most significant activity followed by the petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol and methanol extracts against Gram-positive bacteria. Antifungal activity assessment revealed that the tested fungal strains are more susceptible to petroleum ether extract followed by methanol, chloroform, acetone and ethanol extract. Phytochemical analysis showed that the extract contain flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, gums and mucilages, sterols and steroids. This is the first report on antibacterial, antifungal and phytochemical screening of A. ovata. This study scientifically validates the use of this plant as a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent.Key words: Medicinal plant, Andrographis ovata, Acanthaceae, leaves extracts, antifungal activity, phytochemical, antibacterial activity, agar well diffusion method

An Investigation on the Antibacterial Activity of Rauvolfia tetraphylla Dry Fruit Extracts

The antibacterial activity of the dry fruit extracts was assayed against eight human bacterial species including Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella paratyphi B, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella mobilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar diffusion method. Dry fruits were extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Ethyl acetate extract showed maximum inhibition 26mm against showed Salmonella paratyphi A. It also showed inhibitory action against eight pathogen tested. R. terraphylla dry fruit extracts is found to be more potent and out of the three solvents used. Ethyl acetate is found to be most effective. The study suggests that the dry fruit extracts is possesses potential broad spectrum antimicrobial activity

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Sirumalai Hills of Dindigul District, Tamilnadu, India

The present investigation is an attempt to an ethnomedicinal plants survey was carried out in Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul district, Tamilnadu, for the exploration of various ailments herbal remedies. They routine use 40 medicinal plants for the treatment of several disease either in single or in combination with some other ingredients. The information on correct botanical identities with family, local name and traditional practice of 40 plant species belonging of 27 families are discussed here for the treatment of various illnesses