Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous, Ethanol and Acetone Extracts of Ocimum sanctum Linn

Abstract

Aqueous, ethanol and acetone leaf and root extracts of Ocimum sanctum Linn were investigated for their antibacterial activities at various concentrations against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard methods. Antimicrobial studies indicated that both the acetone leaf and root extracts of O. sanctum were found comparatively more effective against these bacteria than any other extract tested while aqueous extract being the least effective against the tested microbes. The highest mean zone of inhibition of acetone leaf extract against P. aeruginosa was 20.74± 0.68 followed by 19.36± 0.29 at concentration 150mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. The aqueous and ethanol root extracts of O. sanctum for had no inhibitory effect against the test microorganisms. Generally the acetone crude extracts showed activity against the three bacteria species with highest average zone of inhibition compared to other extracts. The antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract was more pronounced against test microbes than root extract. The study revealed that the plant possessed antimicrobial properties and could be a potential source of antibacterial agent in the treatment of bacterial infections.