Antimicrobial activity of the roots of cocculus hirsutus

Cocculus hirsutus Linn was studied for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Echerchia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi using agar disc-diffusion method. Petroleum ether extract, Ethanolic extract and Crude alkaloidal fraction were screened for the activity in various concentrations and zone of inhibitions were recorded. Results suggest that the Ethanolic extract and Crude alkaloidal fraction have significant antimicrobial activity against test microorganisms and the activity is found to be concentration dependent. Present findings justify the claimed uses of Cocculus hirsutus in the indigenous systems of medicine to treat various infectious diseases.