Lakshmi.T, Vidya Krishnan
Aim: This study was designed to examine the in vitro antibacterial potential of methanolic and acetone leaf extracts of Acacia catechu willd, Azadirachta indica ,Aryctostaphylos Uva ursi against Lactobacillus acidophilus. Materials and Methods: The inhibitory effect of methanolic and acetone extract of three herbal extracts was tested against Lactobacillus acidophilus by using the broth dilution method. Results: The methanolic extract of Acacia catechu willd exhibited antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus with minimum bactericidal concentration of 1mg/ml, and appreciable activity with Azadirachta indica methanolic extract at a concentration of 10mg/ml. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of methanolic and acetone extract of the herbal extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids, and tannins, which may contribute for the antibacterial action . Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Acacia catechu willd was found to be bactericidal in action when compared to the other herbal extracts tested . Clinical Significance: Acacia catechu willd methanolic leaf extract is proved to be an potent antibacterial herb against lactobacillus acidophilus and can be recommended to treat dental caries when compared to Azadirachta indica commonly known as neem which is commercially obtained in the market.
