Showing papers on "Strychnos potatorum published in 2009"

In Vitro Antimicrobial Screening of Alkaloid Fractions from Strychnos potatorum

Abstract: Alkaloid fractions isolated from Strychnos potatorum L.f. (Loganiaceae) seed were tested for their antimicrobial properties against some pathogenic gram positive, gram negative and acid-fast bacteria and fungi. These fractions have shown considerable antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi at the tested concentrations (100 & 200 μg/mL). Further, the growth of Proteus vulgaris, taphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were significantly inhibited. These findings have confirmed the use of this plant in treating of several microbial infections both in traditional and folk medicine in India.

Effect of Strychnos potatorum Linn. Seed Extracts on Water Samples from Different Sources and with Diverse Properties

Abstract: In developing countries, ground water, which is contaminated with domestic and industrial waste, is commonly used for drinking. Colour, turbidity and microbial content affect quality of potable water. Strychnos potatorum (Linn.) seeds are known to function as coagulants and clarify water. Our study investigated the effect of the seed powder (10-40 mg L -1 ) on water samples of varying colour, turbidity and microbial content. Samples studied were of river Yamuna, industrial effluent, a recreational pond, tap water and distilled water. pH was maintained within ±5 units while alkalinity was within one unit, showing that taste parameters were not affected. There was an 82-98% decrease in absorbance, denoting the seed's clarifying effect. The reduction in heterotrophic microbial load was 99% when 10 mg L -1 of seed powder was added. Ames test demonstrated non-toxicity of the seed at the concentrations tested. This simple method can help as an effective and affordable pre-treatment method and bring down the costs of secondary treatment.