ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ELECUSINE INDICA

Abstract

Antimicrobial activity of Elusine indica was carried out using Agar well diffusion method on selected pathogens usually associated with diarrhea or other stomach problems such as Shigella dysenteriae Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus facealis and Lactobacillus lactis. The aqueous extract was the most susceptible while the ethanol extract was the least susceptible to these microorganisms. The observed antimicrobial activity is concentration dependent. The work also shows that the plant has marked anthelmintic activity against Strongyloides stercoralis. The work therefore gives credence to the use of Eleusine indica against diarrhea and worm infections.