COMPARATIVE ANTI-BACTERIAL ANALYSIS OF THREE COMMON MEDICINAL PLANTS ON SELECTED MICRO-ORGANISMS

This study was undertaken to identify medicinal plants that are effective against multiple human pathogens. Anti-bacterial activity of selected plant extracts were assayed by agar cup diffusion. Sensitivity of the pathogens was also checked with standard antibiotics. Extract on Neem (Azadirachta indica), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Christmas candle leaves (Senna alata) were found to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus species. All the extracts demonstrated considerable activity against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus spp. were the most susceptible to all the extracts; followed by Escherichia coli. Despite the significant progress made in microbiology and the control of micro-organisms becayse drug resistant, micro-organisms pose an enormous threat to public health. The use of medicinal plants for antimicrobial activities needs to be given more attention.