Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts Agai...

Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts Against Pathogenic Microorganisms

Author Name : Prof. Mrs Manasi Joshi, Pranav Belsare, Kishor Sonawane, Abhijit Kumbhar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56025/IJARESM.2024.120724012

ABSTRACT Antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms is an escalating global health concern, driving the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts from seven medicinal plant species (Calendula officinalis, Butea monosperma, Vitex negundo, Argemone Mexicana, Lantana camara, Bignonia gracilis, Calotropis gigantea) against pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Streptococcus spp., Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp.). The plant extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and tested for antimicrobial efficacy through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The results indicated significant antimicrobial properties, with Butea monosperma and Calotropis gigantea showing the highest zones of inhibition and lowest MIC values against the tested pathogens. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, phenols, and tannins, which likely contribute to the observed antimicrobial effects. The findings support the potential use of these plant extracts as alternative antimicrobial agents, offering a promising solution to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. Further research is warranted to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for these effects.