ANTIMICROBIAL AND IRRITANT ACTIVITIES OF THE EXTRACTS OF Malva parviflora L., Malvastrum coromandelianum L. AND Amaranthus viridis L. – A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

Hexane, chloroform and ethanol extracts of Malva parviflora L. and Malvastrum coromandelianum L. were tested for their antibacterial, antifungal and irritant activities. While the hexane, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts along with the polar mass of Amaranthus viridis L. were tested for above activities, except that of the antifungal. The extracts of Malva parviflora L. and Malvastrum coromandelianum L. showed similar patterns of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli but slight variations in the antibacterial response against Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Chloroform extracts of both the plants displayed prominent antibacterial activity as compared to that of other extracts. Antifungal activities of all the extracts were almost same on Aspaergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae. The antibacterial range of ethanol extract of Amaranthus viridis L. was more prominent than that of its aqueous extract and polar mass. However, hexane extracts of the plant displayed a greater antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms than that of chloroform extracts. Application of the hexane, chloroform and aqueous extracts of the three plants on inner surface of ear of the male albino rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) expressed acute irritant response.