In-vitro evaluation of antimicrobial properties of Nelumbo nucifera

Antimicrobial property of Nelumbo nuciferawas evaluated. Flower and seed pod of Nelumbo nuciferawas collected, and identified. Morphologically, flowers were pink colored with smooth texture and seeds were dark brown. Powdered plant material was extracted by maceration method in ethanol. Ethanolic Extract of Flowers and seeds were dark brown, semisolid and percentage yields were 15.52 and 36.75% respectively. Various phytochemical tests were revealed that the carbohydrates and glycosides, proteins and free amino acids, fixed oils and fats, steroids and triterpenoids were present in both extracts. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay, the IC50 were calculated. Antimicrobial testing were performed against Gram positive (Staphylococcus Aureus) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa) and strain of fungus (C. Albicans and A. Niger). Antimicrobial activities were estimated by disk diffusion method. It was observed that extract of flowers was more effective but extract of Seeds was less effective against Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Cefotaxime was used as standard. Extract of flowers was equally effective against candida albicans and Aspergilusniger but extract of seeds was not effective against both fungal strains.