Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potency of ethanol and chloroform extracts of root, leaf and stem of Clerodendrum infortunatum (Verbenaceae) and to explore a scientific data as this plant was randomly use in traditional medicine to cure common ailments such as intestinal disorder, diarrhea, tuberculosis and respiratory problems, etc. Methods: The in vitro application was carried out by using disc diffusion, micro broth dilution and serial dilution techniques against clinically important life threatening organisms. Results: All the extracts showed significant inhibitory activity over the bacteria and fungus comparable to the standard drug tetracycline and fluconazole. The maximum average diameter zone of inhibition was recorded to bacterial strains against Bacillus megaterium, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and to fungi against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of ethanol leaf extract were determined 64 µg/mL to Bacillus megaterium, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae; 128 µg/mL to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus-β–haemolyticus and Escherichia coli. Conclusions: The findings evidently appear promising antibacterial and antifungal properties of Clerodendrum infortunatum against antagonistic pathogens. Leaf possesses quite potent activity than root and stem specially leaf extract>root extract>stem extract. This study serves as basis for further research to lead compounds to be isolated so that it may be as a template for the implications of these results for bioactivity and drug discovery potential of herbal products.

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