In vitro evaluation of Schima wallichii (DC.)Korth.fruit for potential antibacterial activity

Abstract

Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. is a large evergreen and well known tree of Sikkim Himalayan region. The bark of this plant is traditionally used as antipyretic, antiseptic, anthelmintic, wound healing agent. In the present study an attempt has taken to investigate for potential antibacterial activity by taking different extracts of fruits of Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8530 and Bacillus liherfernis 10341) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli HD 10; Salmonella paratyphi A2 and Vibrio cholera 64). Antibacterial activity of Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. fruit extracts (benzene, acetone and aqueous) were assayed by the disc diffusion method. Among all the extracts, acetone extract was found most active against Escherichia coli HD 10 and Bacillus liherfernis 10341 but this extract have no effect in case of Vibrio cholera 64. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations) of the extract was found 100 μg/ml for Escherichia coli HD 10 and 150 μg/ml for Bacillus liherfernis 10341. The study promises an interesting future for designing a potentially active antibacterial agent from Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth. fruit.