Abstract

“ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA AND BASELLA ALBA”

Prof. Jagessar R. C.* and Gilbert K.

ABSTRACT

In search of potent and selective natural antimicrobials, the antimicrobial activity of Momordica charantia and Basella. alba were investigated using the Disk Diffusion Assay (DDA). Both plant extracts showed varying antimicrobial activity against the selective pathogens: S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E. coli and C. albicans. The largest AZOI of 126.02 mm2 was obtained by M. charantia ethanolic extract vs. S.aureus. The lowest AZOI of 0.0 mm2 was obtained for both plant extracts vs. C. albicans. Both plant extracts showed antimicrobial selectivity against S. aureus. In general, M. charantia showed a higher AZOI, compared to B. alba. An exception been against E.coli. Thus, both plant ethanolic extracts can be used as selective antimicrobial agents against S. aureus.

Keywords: M. charantia, B. alba, Disk Diffusion Assay, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, E.coli and C. albicans.