Abstract

IN-VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF HERBAL EXTRACTS AND COMPARISON WITH BENZYL PENICILLIN

*Vasanthi K, Juveria Firdouse, Eram Firdouse, Maleeha Naaz and Deshmukh Mahadev

ABSTRACT

Many ailments are caused by bacteria or fungi. Treatment for these diseases has become major concern nowadays. Previous researches have shown that many plants and herbs are having antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Allium sativum, Mentha piperita, Piper nigrum, Curcuma longa, Emblica officianalis, Zingiber officinale and comparing this activity with the activity of benzyl penicillin, which is an antimicrobial agent. We have collected the extracts from these plants by using different extraction procedures and anti-microbial activity was checked by using cup plate and disk diffusion methods. Piper nigrum, Curcuma longa and Emblica officianalis has shown highest activity among these herbs.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Anti-bacterial activity; Extraction; Inoculation; Bacteria; Incubation; Zone of inhibition; Nutrient media