In Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Leucas Cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. (Lamiaceae) against some Gram Positive and Gram Negative Human Pathogens

Leucas cephalotes (Roth.) Spreng (family: Lamiaceae) is a rainy season weed widely distributed intropical regions of Asia at elevation up to 1,700 m, medicinally employed for the treatment of skindiseases, fever, hepatic disorders, urinary complaints cough and cold. The traditional uses of this plantstrongly suggest its possible antibacterial properties, but its efficacy has not been examined in broadscenes, in present communication, its antibacterial efficacy has been explored. Polar and non-polarextracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, aqueous, benzene, and petroleum ether) at five different concentrations(0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10 mg/mL) were evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy against seven G+ and elevenG– hospital isolated bacteria. Disc diffusion method was followed to determine antibacterial activity.Phytochemical analysis of plant revealed presence of tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, phenoliccompounds and flavonoids as secondary metabolites. Maximum antibacterial activity was demonstratedby ethyl acetate and methanol extracts at a minimum concentration (0.5 mg/mL/disc). Extracts wereeffective on both types of test pathogens. From the present findings, it may be concluded that the plantcould be formulated in broad spectrum antibiotic and confirms the traditional uses in pathogenic diseases.