Antibacterial activity ofOcimum sanctum(Tulsi), Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Phyllanthus emblica (Amla)

Abstract

Plant extracts continues the numerous searches for more effective drugs of plant origin which are less toxic and available for low socio-economic population in the treatment of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. The potential for developing antibacterial from higher plants appears rewarding as it will result to the development of a phytomedicine to act against microbes. The Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus emblica extracts were tested for antibacterial activity by spread plate method against four pathogens Escherichia. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Nessieria flavescenes,. It was found that gram negative bacteria were largely inhibited by the extract of amlathan that of neem and tulsi. The zone of inhibition was measured which showed that extract of amla was of high antibacterial activity as compared to meem and tulsi. Methanol extracts were more active than the aqueous extract against all the bacteria. The zones of inhibition were ranging from 13.5 cm in diameter. The highest zone of inhibitions (3.5cm) was noted in methanol extract of P. emblica against S. aureus. The highest yield of methanolic extract was found in Azadiracta indica (29.08%). The extract of Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus emblica were most effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.