Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Crude Extracts of Thespesia populnea Flowers

Aim: To analyze the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic crude extract of Thespesia populnea Flowers.
Study Design: Antimicrobial activity of Thespesia populnea was carried out using disc diffusion method against crude extract.
Place and Duration of Study: PG & Research Department of Chemistry, Periyar E.V.R. College (Autonomous), Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. During the month of August and September 2014.
Methodology: Four bacterial strains such as S. typhi, E. coli, E. faecalis, B. cereus and two fungal strains such as C. lunata, and C. albicans were identified by using disc diffusion method. The anti bacterial activity of ethanolic extract is almost comparable with standard Chloramphenicol, which is used as an antibacterial agent. The anti fungal activity of ethanolic crude extract is almost comparable with standard Fluconazole, which is used as an antifungal agent.
Results: The disc diffusion method result showed the zone of inhibition for 10 mg/ml as 0 mm, 0 mm, 0 mm and 0 mm, for 20 mg/ml as 9 mm,0 mm , 0 mm and 7 mm, for 30 mg/ml showing 21 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm and 16 mm and for 40 mg/ml as 27 mm, 26 mm, 25 mm and 25 mm, against S. typhi, E. coli, E. faecalis and B. cereus respectively when compared with standard drug Chloramphenicol showing 22 mm, 19 mm, 23 mm and 25 mm zone of inhibition respectively. Then it is evident from the data presented in Table II that the sample possesses antifungal activity. The disc diffusion method result showed the zone of inhibition for 10 mg/ml as 0 mm and 0 mm, for 20 mg/ml as 9 mm and 0 mm, for 30 mg/ml as 19 mm and 18 mm and for 40 mg/ml as 23 mm and 26 mm against C. lunata, and C. albicans respectively when compared with standard drug Fluconazole showing 25 mm and 20 mm of inhibition respectively.
Conclusion: This study justifies the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic crude extract of Thespesia populnea Flowers. Further detailed analysis of this sample is required to identify the presence of bioactive compounds responsible for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Studies are highly needed for future drug development.