Evaluation of Bauhinia variegata Linn Stem Bark for Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

This research work was taken up to investigate the anthelmintic and antimicrobial potential of the stem bark of Bauhinia variegata Linn. The crude ethanolic extract of the plant was evaluated for anthelmintic activity using Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli as test worms. Various concentrations (10-100 mg/ml) of ethanolic extract were tested in the bioassay, which involved determination of time of paralysis (P) and time of death (D) of the worms. Piperazine citrate (10mg/ml) included as reference standard. Antimicrobial activity of the crude ethanolic extract was evaluated by agar disc diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by broth dilution method by using some bacterial and fungal strains of microorganism. Ciprofloxacin (5μg/ml) and Cotrimazole (25μg/ml) were used as reference standard for the antibacterial and antifungal studies respectively. The ethanolic extract showed promising anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities and results were comparable with the standards included in the study.