Vol. 7, Issue 6 (2018)

Author(s):
Deepika Mishra

Abstract:
The aim of the study undertaken is to extract the alkaloids present in the herb Achyranthes aspera, and examine their antibacterial activity. Achyranthes aspera (Amaranthaceae) is an important medicinal herb found as a weed throughout India. Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems for the last few decades or so, extensive research work has been done to prove its biological activities and pharmacology of its extracts. The analysis of alkaloids was done using HPLC technique in which various peaks were shown at different retention time. Out of eight probable alkaloids four peaks were of Achyranthine, Betaine, Betanin, and Isobetanin. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. DMSO was used as a solvent to dissolve the extracts and Ampicillin as positive control. The antibacterial activities were evaluated against four species viz. Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Highest activity was shown against Bacillus subtillis at concentration 40mg/ml. The antibacterial activity against both the type of bacteria are due to the presence of broad spectrum antibiotic compound or metabolic toxins. Hence it can be used as a therapeutic drug to inhibit the bacterial pathogens.