ABSTRACT
Background: Ethanolic, aqueous, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Chromolaena odorata were studied for their antimicrobial activity. Twelve bacterial species, including six Gram-positive and six Gram-negative bacteria viz. Vibrio cholerae, Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphi A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus citreus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, nonpathogenic Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium fortuitum along with fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were studied. Methods: This study involved antibiotic sensitivity testing of extracts against a wide spectrum of micro-organisms, to determine the antimicrobial activity of the plant. Results: Initial phytochemical testing unveiled the chemical constituents of C. odorata as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and proteins. The zone of inhibition for the respective extracts was compared with the zone of the standard antibiotic and was found to be quite effective. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of C. odorata exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. The plant extracts could be used to treat resistant form of prevailing infections. Successful antimicrobial drugs can be developed out of these extracts if specific compounds are isolated and purified.
ABSTRACT
Areca catechu Linn is one of the stimulant masticatory crude materials of Indian system of medicine. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of Areca catechu Linn extract on learning and memory in rats using radial arm maze. The extract used for study was of two different types of Areca catechu namely, wet and dried Areca catechu. Three groups of rats each consisting of seven animals were used for the purpose. Test groups were given 500mg/kg p.o of wet Areca catechu extract and dried Areca catechu extract respectively. It was observed that wet Areca catechu extract showed greater increase in spatial memory and learning in comparison to the control group of rats. Hence increase in spatial memory could be because of higher amount of arecoline present in wet Areca catechu extract.
ABSTRACT
Areca catechu Linn is one of the stimulant masticatory crude materials of Indian system of medicine. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of Areca catechu Linn extract on learning and memory in rats using radial arm maze. The extract used for study was of two different types of Areca catechu namely, wet and dried Areca catechu. Three groups of rats each consisting of seven animals were used for the purpose. Test groups were given 500mg/kg p.o of wet Areca catechu extract and dried Areca catechu extract respectively. It was observed that wet Areca catechu extract showed greater increase in spatial memory and learning in comparison to the control group of rats. Hence increase in spatial memory could be because of higher amount of arecoline present in wet Areca catechu extract.