Investigation of phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of different extracts of leaves of Barleria cristata L. family acanthaceae

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of the methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Barleria cristata was investigated against Gram positive organism Streptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative organism Escherichia coli NCTC 10418 using well diffusion technique. Results showed that the methanolic extracts of Barleria cristata were effective against the test microorganisms. The percentage of zone of inhibition on E. coli by methanolic extract and aqueous extract is 78.13 and 66.45 respectively and the percentage of zone of inhibition on Streptococcus by methanolic extract and aqueous extract is 78.84 and 69.11 respectively. The results of the study provide scientific basis for the use of the plant extract in the treatment of wounds and skin diseases.