Antibacterial Activity of Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme) From Leaf Extracts – A Medicinal Plant

Thyme is a valuable medicinal plant used in the manufacture of antiseptics, skin toners and several traditional medicines for treating cough and cold. In the present study, antibacterial activity in the leaf extracts of Thymus vulgaris L. against pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Salmonella entertica, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris was evaluated by in vitro agar well diffusion method and agar disc diffusion method. Results show that compared to aqueous extract, organic extracts of the leaves were found to possess strong antibacterial activity. In Agar disc diffusion method the ethanol extract exhibits maximum antibacterial activity against Salmonella entertica followed by Staphylococcus aureus with diameter of the inhibition zone of 4.2cm and 3.9cm respectively when compared with the standard antibiotic (Chloromphenical 30g/disc). In Agar well diffusion method ethanol extract followed by acetone showed maximum inhibition zone diameter of 2.9cm against Escherichia coli and Salmonella entertica. Medicinal potential of Thyme and its exploitation can certainly support achieving indigenous medical treatment.