Antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Chromolaena odorata [L.] king and robinson

ABSTRACT

Extracts of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata [L.] King and Robinson were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of plant secondary metabolites and in vitro antibacterial and antiftmgal studies. The results of preliminary study revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroidal nucleus, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the ethanol and chloroform extracts. The chloroform and alcohol extracts were investigated for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities by using Agar Disc Diffusion Technique. Four strains of micro-organisms comprising two gram positive, one gram negative and one fungi were used in this study. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] study revealed the antimicrobial activity and antifungal activity of the extract against the tested strains of microorganisms in concentration ranges of 25, 50 and 75 microg/ml, respectively. The results of zone of inhibition study revealed the concentration dependent nature of the extracts with better effectiveness against gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria