In-vitro antibacterial and antifungal properties of the organic solvent extract of Argemone mexicana L.

Abstract

Plants have been reported showing strong antimicrobial properties. Investigation of plants originated antibiotic agents explored a new chapter in the field of pharmacology. This study was designed to screen Argemone mexicana L. for its antibiotic properties and its positive effect against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Flowers, berries and leaves were extracted from three solvents (methanol, ethanol and chloroform) and Antibacterial and antifungal activates were performed through agar disc diffusion and agar tube dilution methods, respectively. Antibacterial activity of ethanol, methanol and chloroform was about 80% against maximum bacterial strains. Antifungal activity was observed more than 50%. Crude plant extracts were potent 50–60% against A. fumigates while above 75% against A. niger.