PRELIMINARY ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING OF LEAF EXTRACT OF COSTUS IGNEUS USING ETHANOL EXTRACT

Abstract

Costus igneus, also known as the “insulin plant,” is a widely
recognized medicinal plant in Indian traditional medicine, particularly for its
role in managing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This study explores
the antimicrobial potential of Costus igneus, focusing on its ethanol extract
derived from the leaves. The ethanol extract was tested for its antibacterial
and antifungal activities using the agar well diffusion method against various
microbial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and
Aspergillus terreus. Results indicated significant antibacterial activity,
particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, with zones of inhibition ranging
from 10 mm to 25 mm. The antifungal activity showed an inhibition range
of 10 mm to 14 mm, with Aspergillus niger being most susceptible to the
extract. The study also compared the effectiveness of Costus igneus extracts
to standard antibiotics (streptomycin and fluconazole), revealing
comparable inhibitory effects. The findings suggest that Costus igneus, with
its bioactive compounds, has considerable antimicrobial potential, making it
a promising candidate for developing alternative antimicrobial agents. These
results further validate its medicinal significance in folk medicine and open
pathways for future research into plant-based antimicrobial agents.