DIFFERENTIAL ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM COLEUS AROMATICUS LEAF

The aim of the present study was to look at the differential antibacterial activity of Coleus aromaticus, a commonly found medicinal herb in India. Water, ethanol, acetone and salt water (1.2% NaCl) extracts of Coleus aromaticus were examined for their antibacterial efficacy by disc diffusion method on both gram positive (viz. Bacillus subtilis , Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and gram negative (viz. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Results of the study reveal that the salt water extract of the leaf showed a profound antibacterial activity on both the categories of bacteria, in comparison with the other extracts. The results thus support the age old practice of consuming the leaf in combination with salt, as a better smoothening (anti tussessive) agent against throat infections and a natural cure for tonsils.