Antimicrobial activity of some herbal drugs used in unani system of medicine

Abstract

Cyperus rotundus, Operculina turpethum and Acorus calamus are used in unani system of medicine for the treatment of various ailments. In this study, these three plants were selected to investigate their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 259220, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Clinical isolates-Salmonella paratyphi, and Klebsiella. Methanolic extract of C. rotundus showed antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Methanolic extract of O. turpethum showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Interesting results were found in case of Acorus calamus. Methanolic extract of Acorus calamus showed antimicrobial activity against S. paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Ethanolic extract of this drug showed antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, shyobunone, acolamone and β-asarone in the extracts of these plants supports their traditional uses as medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments. The present study reveals potential use of these plants for developing new antibacterial compounds against pathogenic microorganisms.