Antibacterial activity and TLC Bioautography of Ocimum basilicum L. against pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

The study was designed to examine the in vitro antibacterial activity of Ocimum basilicum Linn. Aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum were extarcted with organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) and then evaluated for in vitro activity by using agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherischia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The methanol extract showed prominent effect on the tested microorganisms. However, Salmonella typhi was found to be most resistant against the extracts. The MIC and MBC of methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus were found to be 0.625 and 1.250 mg/mL ,respectively whereas it was 1.250 and 2.500 mg/mL against Escherischia coli. The TLC analysis of methanol extract showed the appearance of seven spots. The compounds eluted at R f 0.14, R f 0.25 and R f 0.35, exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.The results provide evidence that Ocimum