Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the antimicrobial activities of crude chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of the leaves Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) and Fagonia arabica (FA) against bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Antimicrobial properties of G. glabra and F. arabica were tested using Agar well diffusion method and Agar disc diffusion method. Streptomycine was used as standard drug with significant activity values, that is, 23 mm against E. coli, 36 mm against S. epidermidis, 34 mm against S. aureus and 26 mm againstB. subtilis. Analysis of data showed that the crude extract of G. glabra and F. arabica in dichloromethane exhibited superior activity against E. coli and S. epidermidis. Results were compared concomitantly to standard drugs; streptomycine. Phytochemical screening of G. glabra and F. arabica showed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and reducing sugar components. Based on the current conclusion, it can be accomplished that these plants has antimicrobial activity, which is as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs against definite microorganisms.

Key words: Glycyrrhiza glabra and Fagonia arabica, antimicrobial, phytochemical screening, medicinal plants.