Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Sida cordifolia Leaf Extract

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate in-vitro efficacy of antibacterial, and antifungal activities of chloroform extract of leaf of Sida cordifolia L. against some human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. S. cordifolia (Malvaceae) is used as anti-rheumatic, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-asthmatic, nasal decongestant, antiviral, laxative, diuretic, aphrodisiac, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and in the treatment of Parkinson disease. Methodology: Chloroform extract of S.cordifolia was used for antimicrobial screening. Antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacterial strains Eschericha coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Also antifungal activity was tested against one human pathogenic fungal strain i.e. Candida albicans. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of S. cordifolia extract was carried out by using disc diffusion method. Results: Chloroform extract of S. cordifolia showed the largest zone of inhibition (10mm) against S. aureus at 50µgm/mL and no zone of inhibition against E.coli at 50µgm/ml. Chloroform extract has shown more potent antibacterial activity against S.aureus. Chloroform extract was found to be more effective against human pathogenic fungus C. albicuns. The zone of inhibition of chloroform extract was 10mm.The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of different types of compounds like alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds which may contribute for the anti-microbial action of this plant.  Conclusions: The results concludes that chloroform extract of S. cordifolia leaf possess antimicrobial activity.