Screening of Antimicrobial Activity of Various Extracts of the Stem Justicia gendarussa

Objective: The present study was designed to check in-vitro efficacy of Antibacterial and antifungal activity of aqueous and hexane extracts of stem of Justicia gendarussa against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Justicia gendarussa, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, commonly known as ‘‘vatham kolli’ was used in treatment of bronchitis, inflammation, eye diseases, ear ache, vaginal discharges, rheumatism, dysentery, eczema and jaundice.

Methodology: Hexane and aqueous extracts of Justicia gendarussa was used for antimicrobial screening. Antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacterial strains Eschericha coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Also antifungal activity was tested against one human pathogenic fungal strain i.e. Candida albicans. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Justicia gendarussa extract was carried out by using disc diffusion method.

Results: Aqueous extract of Justicia gendarussa showed the largest zone of inhibition (5mm) against Eschericha coli, at 50µgm/ml and 3mmzone of inhibition against S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Hexane extract does not showing activity against to human pathogenic E. coli and S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Aqueous extract has shown more potent antibacterial activity against Eschericha coli. Aqueous extract was found to be more effective against human pathogenic fungus Candida albicuns than hexane extract and standard drug. The zone of inhibition of Aqueous extract was 11mm and the zone of inhibition of hexane extract was7mm and standard only 2mm.The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of different types of compounds like terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids which may contribute for the anti-microbial action of this plant.

Conclusions: These findings provide scientific evidence of traditional use of Justicia gendarussa and also indicate the potential of this plant for the development of antimicrobial agents.