Applied Medical Research. 2016;
4(2):(43-154)
In vitro antimicrobial potential of potentilla polyphylla Wall. ex Lehm. taproot extract against human pathogens
Khonamai Sewa Nakhuru, Jyotchna Gogoi, Pronobesh Chattopadhyay, Hemanta Kumar Gogoi
Abstract
Background: The whole plant of Potentilla polyphylla Wall. ex Lehm. (Rosaceae) is valued for its ethno-medicinal properties. It has been used as a folk remedy against a variety of ailments. Aim: This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial potential of P. polyphylla taproot extract against human pathogens. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous methanol extract (1:4) against bacterial strains and clinically important yeast were assessed using the agar diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration studies. Its effect was compared with some standard antibiotics. Results: The extract showed inhibition of 17.5-30.0 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml and 0.4 mg/ml against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, respectively. Tested pathogens, except P. mirabilis, were found susceptible to standard antibiotics. Conclusions: Results showed that P. polyphylla possesses broadspectrum antimicrobial properties and hence merits detailed phytochemical investigations for its pharmaceutical applications.
