The antibacterial activities of Sesamum indicum Linn. leaf extracts

Abstract

The antimicrobial activities of a neglected indigenous vegetable plant, Sesamum indicum Linn. were investigated. Ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts were screened for anti-microbial activities on the pathogens; Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhii, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using different concentrations (100mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 400mg/ml). The ethanolic extract (400mg/ml) strongly inhibited the growth of E. coli while it mildly inhibited the growth of K. pneumonia and S. typhii. Salmonella aureus growth was not inhibited or restricted from growing as the extract had no activity against the microorganism. The aqueous extracts had no inhibition on the micro-organisms tested.

Key words: Antimicrobial activities, Sesamum indicum, Pathogenic bacteria, indigenous vegetable