Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Acacia modesta, Achyranthe saspara and Solanum surattense used in Folk Medicine

Abstract

Background: The antibiotic resistance is a grave concern across the globe due to inappropriate and over usage of antibiotics without prescription which could be fatal for the humans in the long run. Therefore, the need of the hour is to look for more effective and economical options for treatment worldwide to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Objective: This study was targeted to assess the antibacterial and antifungal properties of leaf extracts of three plants (Achyranthes aspara, Acacia modesta and Solanum surattense) against Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Malassezia species.

Methods: The bioactive components were extracted using methanol and ethanol (70%) as solvents. The agar-well diffusion method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal activities of leaf extract. The inhibitory zones were recorded. The bioassay studies of the crude extracts were undertaken at three different concentrations i.e., 30.0, 40.0, and 50.0 mg/ml.

Results and Conclusion: The ethanol extracts of Achyranthes aspara had shown the highest growth inhibitory effect at a concentration of 50.0 mg/ml with an inhibition zone of 13.2mm against E. coli. Ethanolic leaf extracts of solanum surattense had shown maximum inhibition effects at a concentration of 50.0 mg/ml with 12.5mm zones of inhibition against Salmonella. Acacia modesta did not show good results against any bacterial and fungal strains as compared to the other two plants.