Biological evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Calotropis procera against a range of bacteria

Abstract

Plants are reported to have anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the present study, methanolic extract of leaves of Calotropis procera was used to check the antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis using the disc diffusion method. Different concentrations of extract were made and applied on filter discs. Bacteria were cultured on nutrient agar and discs having different concentrations were applied to petri plates, incubated for 24 hours at 37 ᵒC and after 24 hours, result were recorded in the form of zones of inhibition. Results showed that leaves extract were more effective against Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. There was no antibacterial activity of extract against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, and Enterococcus faecalis. It has been concluded that leaves extract of Calotropis procera may be used as a treatment for the infection caused by Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Also, different chemicals present and crude extract should be purified and individual chemical should be used against various bacteria to sort out the chemical(s) having antibacterial activity.