Abstract

Objective: To validate the traditional use of Achyranthes coynei (A. coynei) Sant. as an antimicrobial in treatment of various infectious diseases. Methods: Leaf extracts of A. coynei obtained through successive solvent extraction using petroleum ether, dichrloromethane, chloroform and methanol were used to screen the antimicrobial activity on five Gram positive, five Gram negative bacteria and two fungi. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by two fold tube-dilution method. Results: Methanolic leaf extract was more effective than other three extracts on the tested bacteria. Methanolic extract was efficient on Staphylococcus epidermis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values (0.62依0.00) mg/mL. The fungal organisms were less susceptible against extracts tested. Conclusions: These results support the traditional use of leaf extracts of A. coynei as they have antimicrobial potential. Further studies are needed for establishing safety, toxicity and pharmacological activity with phytochemical investigation.

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