An in-vitro Bactericidal Efficacy of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), a Known Indian Folk Medicinal Plant

Abstract

Diseases caused by microorganisms have been managed traditionally using medicinal plants, as they contain components of therapeutic value. In this context, in the present study, phytochemical analysis of ethanol, methanol, acetone and aqueous extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum and its antibacterial activities were investigated. Leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum were shade dried, powdered, and extracted using solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetone and water. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the crude leaf extracts revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, anthraquinones, saponins, resins, glycosides and phenols. The antibacterial activity of Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf extracts was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella gallinarum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris using agar disc diffusion technique. Ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum exhibited maximum zone of inhibition (18.33 ± 0.47 mm) against salmonella gallinarum. The maximum activity index (2.48 ± 0.30) and increase in fold area (5.22 ± 1.47) were observed against Escherichia coli for aqueous leaf extract. The results obtained from the current study confirm that Ocimum tenuiflorum can be used as a source of drugs to fight infections caused by susceptible bacteria.