Abstract

In vitro anti-microbial activity of Rumex nepalensis (leaves and root) and Echinop sphaerocephalus (leaves) crude extracts was tested against some clinical isolates and standard pathogenic bacteria. The crude extracts were prepared by using water, methanol and acetone. The antimicrobial effects of extracts were explained in terms of MBC and MIC. Among the extracts tested, methanol extracts of R. nepalensis (leaves and root) and E. sphaerocephalus (leaves) was found to have significant activity against E. coli ATCC2592 (17 mm ± 1.00), K. pneumoniae clinical isolate (16.67 mm ± 0.577), E. coli clinical isolate (15.67 mm ± 0.765) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 (14.67 mm ± 0.577) followed by aqueous extract of R. nepalensis (leaves and root) and E. sphaerocephalus (leaves) which showed antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae clinical isolate (15 mm ± 0.00), E. coli clinical isolate (13.17 mm ± 0.76), S. pneumoniae ATCC63  (12.67 mm ± 0.577), and S. pneumoniae clinical isolate (12.50 mm ± 0.50). The acetone extract of R. nepalensis  (leaves and root) and E. sphaerocephalus (leaves) showed activity against E. coli ATCC2592 (12  mm), E. coli clinical isolate (12  mm) and  S. aureus ATCC25923 (10.33 mm ± 1.00). The methanol, acetone and distilled water extract of R. nepalensis leaves showed statistically significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus standard strain (p < 0.05). This study concludes that the tested plants may be having promising antibacterial compounds.

Key words: Antimicrobial activity, Echinop sphaerocephalus, medicinal plants, Rumex nepalensis.