Antibacterial activity of some local herbs

Aqueous as well as organic extracts of eight herbs were screened for their antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus (S) aureus, Escherichia (E) coli, Candida (C) albicans and Saccharomyces (S) cerevicae. C. sativum was found effective antibacterial, excepting the C. albicans. A. barbadensis expressed growth inhibition zones against E. coli, S. cerevicae, and C. albicans. Antibacterial activity of M. azadirachta against E. coli and S. cerevicae was also observed. The extracts with positive results were blended in 1:1 ratio for seeking any synergistic activity. Alcoholic extracts of A. indica + A. sativum proved effective for controlling S. sureus and E. coli. Whereas n-hexane extracted Z. officinale + A. sativum were effective against S. cerevicae and S. aureus. The latter microbe demonstrated resistance to trimethoprim ceftriaxone, cefuroxime sodium and erythromycin. Results of the present study are indicative of promising potential of the herbs the microbial control in otherwise an increasingly antibiotic resistance developing situation.