A STUDY OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF THE LEAVES OF COLOCASIA ESCULENTA LINN.

Aim: The study was done to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the leaves of Colocasia esculenta Linn. Materials and Methods: Fresh tender leaves of C.esculenta collected, air-dried at room temperature, grounded to a fine powder and extracted with ethanol. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of C.esculenta compared to standard antibiotics was assessed by disc diffusion method by measuring the zone of inhibition. The organisms used for the test were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar disc diffusion method described by Kirby-Bauer was used for testing the antibacterial and antifungal activity. Results: Zone of inhibitions produced by sensitive organisms were demarcated by a circular area of clearing around plant extract impregnated discs and measured in millimeter (mm). Mean ± SEM was calculated and the data was statistically analysed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnets multiple comparison test. Conclusion: In our study, ethanolic extract of Colocasia esculenta showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E.coli, Kleibsiella and antifungal activity against C. albicans in a dose dependant manner.