Bioevaluation of antibacterial potential of Sarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Abstract

The in vitro antibacterial activity of Rauwolfia serpentina plant extract has been investigated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae using the disc diffusion method. The alcoholic extract was found effective against Staphylococcus aureus only. The antibacterial activity is attributed to the presence of alkaloids, which was confirmed by gas liquid chromatography and positive alkaloid test. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by paper disc diffusion method. The results were compared with reference antibiotic tetracycline (one unit solution).

Keywords

• Antibacterial
• Rauwolfia serpentina
• Plant extract
• Disc diffusion method
• MIC