Antimicrobial activity of alternanthera tenella colla

The antimicrobial activity of Alternanthera tenella Colla leaf extracts were tested against human pathogenic bacteria (two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative) and against three pathogenic fungi (Candida sp) by agar well diffusion method. The solvents were used for extraction are chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. All the extracts manifested significant bactericidal and fungal activity against all microorganisms tested. The inhibition zone diameters ranged between 6 mm to 24 mm diameter. The maximum antibacterial activity recorded in highest concentration of methanol extract and minimum activity was found in lowest concentration of chloroform extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The maximum antifungal activity recorded in highest concentration of chloroform extract against Candida tropicalis and minimum activity was found in lowest concentration of ethyl acetate extract against Candida parasilosis.