Escherichia coli

The rhizome of Bergenia ligulata, belonging to the family Saxifragaceae was screened for its antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella typhii using agar well diffusion method. Methanol extract exhibited larger inhibition zone 21mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae as compared to Salmonella typhii and Escherichia coli. Ethanol extract showed larger inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhii. Acetone extract showed larger inhibition of 24mm zone against Escherichia coli as compared to Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhii and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Water extract showed largest inhibition zone of 25mm against Staphyloccus aureus as compared to Salmonella typhii, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The presence of phytochemicals like Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Tannins, Quinones, Carbohydrates, steroids and alkaloids supports its use as medicinal plant for the treatment of various ailments.