In Vitro control of selected pathogenic organisms by Vernonia adoensis roots

Abstract

The main aim of conducting this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of methanol–water extract of Vernonia adoensis roots against Salmonella typi, Klebsiella sp, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris and Enterobacter aerogenes.The roots powder of the plant were extracted with methanol and water in the ratio 9:1. The antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by agar well diffusion method. Vernonia adeonsis roots extract was found to control the growth of only B. cereus, S. pyogenes and Proteus vulgaris at zone of inhibition of 10.50 ± 0.563, 15.67 ± 0.422 and 11.00 ± 0.577 respectively. From the study methanol- water extract can be used to control B. cereus, S. pyogenes and Proteus vulgaris. More research needs to be done to identify the specific bioactive compounds, their structural formulas, their mode of action and toxicity in vivo conditions.