Antibacterial Evaluation of Gradient Extracts of Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f) Bedd. Towards Bacteria Involved in Skin Diseases

Abstract

Objective: The work attempted to analyse the antibacterial character of gradient distillate of Stenochlaena palustris, a healing fern used to treat burn. The plant was evaluated for its antibacterial capability towards bacteria occupied in skin infections. Methods: Whole plant of S. palustris was examined for its antibacterial potential and phytochemical constituents in different solvents extracts of incrementing polarity. The typical disc diffusion method was done to inspect antibacterial activity. Basic phytochemcal assessment was accomplished by various standard spraying reagents and used to detect the same. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were established towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: The plant could basically demonstrate antibacterial activity in acetone extract. P. aeruginosa was the most sensitive organism observed out of the tested bacteria. Water extracts did not provide antibacterial activity to the analysed bacteria. Phenols, flavonoids, polyphenols and sterols were track down in various extracts. Flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols and sterols found in acetone extract of the plant could be responsible for its antibacterial activity. Acetone extract of the plant yielded minimum inhibitory concentration as 12.5 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration as 25.0 mg/ml towards P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: S. palustris manifested antibacterial activity in acetone extract notably towards   P. aeruginosa, a bacterium frequently associated with nosocomial infection.

Keywords: Stenochlaena palustris, Antibacterial activity, Pteridophytes, Disc diffusion, Phytochemicals.