ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS LINN

The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens, linn (Asteraceae) (commonly known as Coat Buttons) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and antifungal activity. The dried powder of Tridax procumbens (leaves, stems, roots and flowers) containing chemical constituent procumbent was extracted and the activity was studied. Various concentration (5 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 15 mg/ml) of ethanol were evaluated to study the activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans. The antibacterial activity was measured by agar well diffusion method and antifungal activity by disc diffusion method. Tridax procumbens (15 mg/ml) showed maximum zone of inhibition was against Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (18mm) and minimum against Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli (8mm). Tridax procumbens (15mg/ml) showed maximum antifungal activity towards Aspergillus flavus (12mm) and Candida albicans (4mm). The results showed significant activity of Tridax procumbens and suggesting its use as natural antimicrobial agent.