Ethnobotanical studies and antimicrobial activity of chirchita [achyranthes aspera linn.] extracts

ABSTRACT

The ethnobotanical studies were carried out to know about the phonological data and the medicinal uses by the local villagers, tribal peoples in the four districts of western Uttar Pradesh that were surveyed. The antimicrobial activity was tested using Agar well method of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Chirchita [Achyranthes aspera Linn.] at different concentration gradient. Zone of inhibition was compared with standard drugs [Ampicillin for Gram Positive bacteria and Gentamicin for Gram Negative bacteria]. Against Gram Positive bacteria [i.e., Bacillus cereus [MTCC 430]] and Gram Negative bacteria [Klebsiella pneumoniae [MTCC 109]], Proteus vulgaris [MTCC 426] and Escherichia coli [clinical isolate] for antimicrobial activity. Chemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannin, oleonolic acid based saponins, amino acids, essential oil, steroids and resins as major compounds and the antimicrobial activity may be attributed to any of these compounds