Antimicrobial activity of Cucurbita maxima flowers (Pumpkin)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activities of Cucurbita maxima medicinal plant. The compound isolated from ethyl acetate fractions of C. maxima flowers extract has a significant antibacterial activity against bacteria and fungi. For bacterial strains such as S. typhi, E. coli, E. faecalis and B. cereus and two fungal strains such as C. lunata and C.albicans were tested by using disc diffusion method. The anti-bacterial activity of the compound isolated from ethyl acetate fraction is almost comparable with the standard Chloramphenicol and the anti-fungal activity of the compound isolated from ethyl acetate fraction is almost comparable with the standard Fluconazole. The drugs from Cucurbita maxima flowers destroy the growth of bacteria and fungi. It has also the ability to prevent or treat bacterial and fungal infections. The present research aims to compile medicinal values of Cucurbita maxima generated through the research activity using modern scientific approaches and innovative scientific tools.