Abstrait

In vitro antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity of steam distillates of Hemidesmus indicus and Swertia chirata alone and in combination with Cow urine

T.R.Prashith Kekuda, Sunitha C.Mesta, S.Mukunda, K.V.Nayana, Meera Aiyer, T.R.Rohini

Essential oils are valuable natural products used as rawmaterials in many fields. This study reveals antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity of steam distillates of Hemidesmus indicus and Swertia chirata alone and in combination with Cow urine. The steam distillates were obtained by subjecting the powders of plants to distillation using simple distillation apparatus. The distillates obtained were tested for antibacterial activity, antifungal activity and anthelmintic activity. The results obtained revealed potential of the distillates against bacteria, fungi and wormtested. Significant result was seen in case of Hemidesmus distillate when compared to other distillates. Hemidesmus distillate alone was found to be superior to distillate fromHemidesmus-Cowurine combination. Swertia distillate was found to possess lesser activitywhen compared to combination.Among fungi tested, Aspergillus niger was found to be affected to more extent than other fungi. The results revealed the potential of steam distillates against bacteria, fungi and helminthes. The inhibitory effect of distillates could be attributed to active principles present.