Abstract

Anti-microbial activities of various extracts of Acorus calamus L.

Author(s): N.Deepa, R.Meenakshi Sundaram, T.Janaki Devi, V.Jayapradha, P.Helan, L.Magimai Upagara Valan

To examine the chloroform, ethyl acetate and 50% aqueous – ethanol extracts of the rhizomes of the plant of Acorus calamus L. for their antibacterial and anti-fungal properties against a wide range of Micro-organisms. The anti-bacterial activity was studied by agar dilution method using Muller Hinton (MH) agar media. The results were compared with standard ciprofloxacin (5 µg/disc). The anti-fungal activity of the extracts was investigated by tube dilution method using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and the results compared with standard Clotrimazole (125 µg/ml). All studied extracts showed potential anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) was found to be <200 µg/ml for chloroform extract and ethyl acetate extract and less than 133.33 µg/ml for 50% aqueous-ethanol extract. Hence the MIC was of varying range (133.33-200 µg/ml) for all the tested extracts, with different microorganisms. The anti-fungal properties of all the studied extracts were comparable with that of standard clotrimazole. The present study brought to light the scientific data on the anti-infective property of the plant.