ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES ON NERIUM OLEANDER LINN. LEAVES (WHITE KANER LEAVES)

Abstract

Nerium oleander is commonly known as Kaner (Hindi) found throughout in India and has been used in the treatment of cancer, leprosy, cardiac diseases and skin diseases. Various parts of plant roots, stems and leaves are used. The present study is therefore undertaken to analyse its antibacterial and antifungal activity in the chloroform and methanolic extract of leaves which were prepared by cold maceration method. These extracts were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity by well diffusion method. Various concentrations(5µg,10µg,20µg,40µg/ml) of extracts were used for antibacterial and antifungal studies. Out of four bacterial cultures used E. coli and B.subtilis showed better zone of inhibition in chloroform extract than methanolic extract. Aspergillus brasiliensis and Candida albicans are used for antifungal studies. Both the extracts show antifungal activity against these cultures.