Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction
Bacterial diseases account for high proportion of health problems in the developing countries. The emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogens has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality as well as health care costs.
Objective of study
The study was conducted with an objective to find out antimicrobial potential of Ficus religiosa L. against clinically important MDR strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Material and Methods
Hexane, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of F. religiosa L. leaves were employed for testing antimicrobial activity by using agar well diffusion method or cup plate method MIC (µg/ ml) was determined .
Results
Methanol extract was maximum inhibitory in case of S. aureus; followed by hexane extract and chloroform extract but aqueous extract did not show antimicrobial activity. Maximum activity was observed for chloroform extract followed by hexane, aqueous and least for methanol extract against E. faecalis. Chloroform and hexane extract showed more activity as compared to aqueous and methanol extracts in case of A. baumannii. In K. pneumoniae, maximum activity was shown by aqueous extract followed by hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts.
Conclusion
The present study suggests the use of F. religiosa L .in the treatment of various diseases caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. Further, the antimicrobial potential of this plant must be explored more and more in order to develop an alternate therapy for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.