Evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the mehanolic and petroleum ether extract of Blumea lacera Burm.f in Bangladesh

Abstract

The crude extract of Blumea lacera Burm.f (Family, Asteraceae) was evaluated for its possible antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. After collection of the plant, it was (whole plant) powdered and was successfully extracted with petroleum ether and methanol. Phytochemical screening of the extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, gums, reducing sugar. The antimicrobial investigation showed that the petroleum ether and methanol extracts showed antimicrobial activity against two bacteria (one is gram positive and another is gram negative) and a fungus. From the literature review, it was also found that the plant has therapeutic effects on diabetic, sedation, stomach infection and cholera. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine and its further investigation.