Phytochemical activity of leaves of Selaginella involvens AND Selaginella inaequalifolia Extracts on poultry pathogens

This may be the first report were two plants screened for its potential antimicrobial activity in poultry industry. In this experiment, evaluating antimicrobial activity, there are four solvents were used such as petroleum ether, benzene, methanol and water. The plants screened were Selaginella involvens and Selaginella inaequalifolia. Antimicrobial activity was tested against five bacterial strains; Klebsiella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Proteus and Bacillus isolated from poultry farms by agar diffusion method or well diffusion method were used. The results showed that Selaginella involvens and Selaginella inaequalifolia extracts exhibited antimicrobial activities at a concentration of 100-300mg/ml. The zones of inhibition exhibited by Selaginella involvens extract ranged between 7-17mm while that of Selaginella inaequalifolia varied between 7- 15mm depending upon the solvents used. Therefore this can be selected for further investigation to determine its therapeutic potential. Its leaf extracts can also be used as a lead molecule in combating the diseases caused by the bacterial strains present in poultry industry.