ANTIMICROBIAL EVALUATION AND PROXIMATE PROFILE OF NEPETA LEAVIGATA, NEPETA KURRAMENSIS AND RHYNCHOSIA RENIFORMIS

Abstract

The antimicrobial screening of the crude extracts and solvent soluble fractions of Nepeta leavigata, Nepeta kurramensis (Lamiaceae) and Rhynchosia reniformis (Papilionaceae) were investigated along with the proximate profile of the plants for the purpose of standardization and quality control of bioactive components in such heterogonous botanicals and aid to drug discovery work with botanicals. The antibacterial results of Nepeta leavigata showed that the n-butanol fraction displayed significant activity (85% inhibition) against Escherichia coli and Proteus morganii (83% inhibition), while in Nepeta kurramensis chloroform fraction exhibited promising activity (89% inhibition) against Streptococcus cricetus, and Micrococcus flavas (84% inhibition). In Rhynchosia reniformis, only crude extract exhibited 100% inhibition against Streptococcus cricitus while ethyl acetate fraction showed (99% inhibition) against Micrococcus flavas, Streptococcus cricitus (95% inhibition), and Proteus morganii (90% inhibition). In antifungal activities; chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of Nepeta leavigata as well as chloroform fraction of Nepeta kurramensis were promising; while in Rhynchosia reniformis chloroform, n-hexane and methanolic extracts were significant inhibitors as compared to rest of fractions. In this study the proximate composition of these medicinal plants was also assessed and the analysis was carried according to AOAC methods. All the selected species were found to be a good source of ash, proteins and fats which can contribute greatly towards nutritional requirements and adequate protection against microorganism and other diseases.