Preliminary studies on the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Tephrosea purpurea.

The aqueous extract of various parts of the plant Tephrosea Purpurea (Sarphanka) has been used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a variety of infective conditions (3). The plant is indigenous to North Eastern Madhya Pradesh where decoction of the root is used by the locals for treating sore throat, upper respiratory infection and infections of the lower urinary tract and is claimed to be very effective. In the present study the in vitTO antimicrobial activity of the water soluble fraction of the alcoholic extract of T. Purpurea has been evaluated, in view of the claims made about its effectiveness.