Antimicrobial Activity of Some Edible Plants: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), Coffee, and Others

Abstract

A number of edible plant species were investigated for antifungal agents. Whole sprouts and extracts of plant organs were tested in several assays, including bioautography. Amaranth, coffee (Coffea arabica), rice, coleus, violet, chervil, and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) showed antifungal activity. Rhizomes of lotus had potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, and Penicillium spp. Further work is merited for characterization of this antifungal agent. Screening of sprouting plants and terrestrial aquatic plants may be a fruitful approach to finding new antimicrobials.