Antimicrobial activities of Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. belonging to family Euphorbiaceae

Abstract

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the crude methanolic and ethanolic leaf extract of Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. was studied against four gram negative and two gram positive bacteria. The results showed that both the extracts showed antimicrobial activity. Maximum zone of inhibition was observed in the methanolic extract against Escherichia coli which was 29.5 ± 0.50. However, ethanolic extract showed least activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The basis of this plant extract in the traditional treatment of diarrhea in human is highlighted.