Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Screening on an Ornamental Foliage Plant, Pothos aurea (Linden ex Andre)
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Date
2010
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Abstract
The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the petroleum ether, acetone and ethanolic
extracts of the aerial roots of Pothos aurea (commonly known as money plant) that climbed
on Areca catechu (betel nut palm) and Lawsonia inlermis (Mehandhi plant) were
investigated. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial activities with the zones of inhibition
ranging from 0 to 15, 10 to 15 and 10 to 15 mm for petroleum ether, acetone and ethanol
respectively. The extracts of the aerial roots from Areca catechu showed good antimicrobial
activity. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins,
glycosides and anthraquinone in the extracts of aerial roots intertwined over Areca catechu
and in the extracts of aerial roots of Pothos aurea collected from Lawsonia inlermis. The
potential of the crude stem extracts of Pothos aurea to inhibit the growth of bacteria and
fiingi is a sign of its broad spectrum antimicrobial potential which may be used in the
management of microbial infections.