ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SMILAX CHINA AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Many plant species that are employed in herbalism are considered medicinal plants and some of these species even have therapeutic properties. In third world countries, using herbs to cure and control illnesses is common. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic research in conventional medicine have produced a lot of interest among the researchers all over the world. The Plant Smilax china is regarded as a powerful resource for the synthesis and development of drugs. Smilax chinaroot extract has a good antimicrobial activity. In order to detect the antimicrobial activity of the root extract of Smilax chinaon Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, a Zone of Inhibition was observed. Smilax china root extract containing test disk inhibited growth of pathogenic bacteria. Test disk containing 250 μg, 500 μg and 1000 μg showed 10 mm, 14 mm and 18 mm zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli. 8 mm, 9 mm and 14 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. 7 mm, 8 mm and 11 mm zone of inhibition against Streptococcus pyogenes. Whereas 30 μgAmikacin containing standard antibiotic disk showed 14 mm, 12 mm and 10 mm zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureusand Streptococcus pyogenes. This research concluded that Smilax chinaroot extract contain antimicrobial properties. Proper and systemic study of Smilax china may enlighten this formulation as natural origin for antimicrobial drug production.