Abstract

POTENTIAL ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTINFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF CYNODON DACTYLON (DURBA GRASS)

Ramakant* and Dr. Harpreet Singh

ABSTRACT

The use of medicinal plants in the world and especially in India, contributes significantly to primary health care. Whole plant of the Cynodon dactylon is traditionally used to treat painful and inflammatory condition. We have undertaken this study since no detailed scientific study was available regarding the antifungal and antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of the whole plant. In this study the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon was used to determine the antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The diameter of the clear zone of inhibition surrounding the well was measured. The aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon had antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms except Candida albicans. Phytotoconstituents present included Saponins, Tannins, steroids and Flavonoids. It can be concluded that aqueous extract of whole plant of Cynodon dactylon may be considered as an antibacterial agent and can be used to source antibiotic substances for possible treatment of bacterial infections.

Keywords: Cynodon Dectylon, Antifungal, Wound Healings, Antimicrobea, Aqueous Extract.