Abstract

Studies on antimicrobial activity of a critically endangered medicinal plant Nardostachys jatamansi

Author(s): Meera B.Aiyar, K.V.Nayana, T.R.Prashith Kekuda, S.J.Sudharshan, Syed Murthuza, A.Chinmaya, N.C.Valleesha

Nardostachys jatamansi, a critically endangered rhizome-bearing medicinal plant, is restricted to specialized habitats in high altitudes of the Himalaya. The present study describes the antimicrobial activity of steam distillate of N.jatamansi against bacteria and fungi. The antibacterial activity was assessed in liquid media and poison food technique was employed to study antifungal efficacy.Asignificant reduction in the bacterial growth was observed suggesting the presence of antibacterial principles in the distillate fraction. Gram positive bacteria were found to be more inhibited than Gramnegative bacteria.Marked antifungal activity was not observed but a good activity was observed against A.terreus. Since the study involved enteric bacteria and bacteria causing food poisoning, the distillate could be employed to control the infections caused by enteric bacteria as well as food poisoning bacteria. The results of the study validate the use of the plant in traditional medicine.