Invitro Evaluation & Antimicrobial Activity of Citrullus Species (C. colocynthis and C. lanatus)

Abstract

Background: Citrullus Species (C. colocynthis & C.lanatus) commonly belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. Traditionally, Citrullus plants have been used for a diverse range of therapeutic activities like antibacterial, larvicidal, antilipidemic, etc. On reviewing the literature available online; it was visible that evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Citrullus species based on geographical variation has not been carried out till date. Purpose: This paper seeks to comprehensively discuss and evaluate the antimicrobial action of Citrullus species from various geographical locations of India, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Methods: Soxhlet extraction technique was utilized to prepare the extracts as per authentic& standard guidelines. The obtained fractions were then subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening studies, followed by evaluation of antimicrobial action using a well-established Cup and Plate Method. Results: Higher antimicrobial activity was observed for ethyl acetate extract, as compared to the acetone and methanol extract. It was also seen that the antimicrobial activity of the plants from Rajasthan surpassed the samples collected from Punjab and Haryana. The phytochemical screening studies involving ethanol and ethyl acetate fractions depicted the existence of phytoconstituents like tannins, flavonoids and quercetin. Conclusions: The antibacterial activity of fractions of C. Colocynthis and C. Lanatus fruits was found to be more potent for the ethyl acetate extract against Escherichia coli as compared to Staphylococcus aureus. The existence of compounds such as tannins, flavonoids etc., in the extracts, may be the reason for the scientifically documented pharmacological profile of different Citrullus species.

  • Page Number : 19–26
  • Published Date : 2023-04-10
  • Keywords
    Citrullus species, Antimicrobial Activity, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Cup & Plate Method
  • DOI Number
    10.15415/jprtm.2023.111002
  • Authors
    Harinderjit Singh and Hayat M. Mukhtar

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