<b>Bactericidal activity of <i>Lagenandra</i> <i>ovata</i> (Linn.)</b><b> Thw. rhizome oil </b>

Abstract

<b><i>Lagenandra</i></b><b><i> ovata</i> (Linn.)</b><b> Thw. syn.<i> L. toxicaria</i> Dalz.</b> of Araceae family was evaluated for antibacterial activity against the Gram positive bacterium, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and the Gram negative bacteria, <i>Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>,<i> P. vulgaris </i>and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.&nbsp; Methanol extract of the rhizome and the oil fractions obtained from the methanol extract through column chromatography were screened.&nbsp; The rhizome oil was found to be active against the pathogens, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>,<i> Escherichia</i> <i>coli </i>and<i> Klebsiella pneumoniae </i>and this activity was compared to the standard antibiotic, Chloramphenicol.&nbsp; The rhizome oil of <b><i>L. ovata</i></b> possesses potential antibacterial activity and can be exploited as an antiseptic agent against the susceptible organisms.