Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Mirabilis jalapa of Indian Origin

Abstract

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Mirabilis jalapa leaf extract was studied against selected pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Penicillium chrysogenum, Auriparus flaviceps and Trichoderma viridae by using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Leaves were extracted using solvents petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol. Among the solvents tested, petroleum ether and chloroform extracts showed good antimicrobial activity against the selected pathogens. The growth inhibitors were calculated with reference to the control which contains only microbial sample in broth without any inhibitors (100% growth). Further, the qualitative phytochemical screening of leaf extract of the plant reveals the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids which may be responsible for its antimicrobial properties. The results justify the ethanomedical use of the plant in different countries for treatment of bacterial infections, fungal infections and inflammations. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of Mirabilis jalapa of Indian origin is discussed in the present paper.