Abstract

Background: With the extensive use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat to public health. Traditional plant medicine may serve as an alternative to this issue as they are relatively safe and has additional beneficial effects.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial effect of Costus pictus D. Don aqueous leaf extract.

Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial effect of Costus pictus D. Don aqueous leaf extract was tested by modified agar well diffusion method in triplets. 10 different types of bacterial isolates were studied. Zone of inhibition >8 mm was considered to be active.

Result: Marked antimicrobial activity of Costus pictus D. Don aqueous leaf extract was observed against all the bacterial stains used, especially above 40 μl.

Conclusion: Aqueous leaf extract of Costus pictus D. Don showed dose-related antimicrobial effect on the bacterial stains studied.

Key words: Costus pictus D. Don; Antimicrobial Activity; Modified Agar Well Diffusion Method; Bacterial Isolates