Abstract

Extract of Acorus calamus (AC) and Ferula asafetida (FA) were tested against different bacterial pathogens by well-cut agar diffusion method. To analyzed the in vitro activities of A. calamus and F. asafetida, four different bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) were used. A. calamus had a broad spectrum antimicrobial effect against different bacterial pathogens. Streptomycin was used as standard drug with significant activity values, that is, 34 mm against S. aureus, 36 mm against S. epidermidis, 30 mm against B. subtilis and 24 mm against E. coli. Analysis of the data showing that, the crude extract of A. calamus in n-hexane exhibited superior activity against S. epidermidis. The dichloromethane extract of F. asafetida was found low against E. coli and B. subtilis. Results were compared concomitantly to standard drugs: streptomycin. Phytochemical screening of A. calamus and F. asafetida showed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and reducing sugar components.  The high potency of A. calamus and F. asafetida against these microbes could provide an example of prospecting for new compounds. Based on the current conclusion, it can be accomplished that these plants have antimicrobial activity, which is as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs against specific microorganisms.

Key words: Acorus calamus, Ferula asafetida, infection, inhibition, phytochemical screening, medicinal plants.