In vitro antimicrobial activity of Cassia auriculata L.: An ethnomedicinal plant

Crude extracts were prepared from the leaves, stem and pods of cassia auriculata L. using different solvents viz. methanol, ethanol, aqueous, petroleum ether, acetone and screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against test microorganisms. The tested microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Among the plant extracts the methanol, acetone and ethanol extracts of leaf showed higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanol and ethanol extracts of pods also exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against all test organisms which were most effective than the standard reference antibiotic (Streptomycin). In case of fungi acetone extract of leaf had significant antifungal activity.