Antibacterial properties of Passiflora foetida L. a common exotic medicinal plant

Abstract

Passiflora foetida L. (stinking passion flower) is an exotic medicinal vine. The antibacterial properties of leaf and fruit (ethanol and acetone) extracts were screened against four human pathogenic bacteria i.e. Pseudomonas putida, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella flexneri and Streptococcus pyogenes by well-in agar method. The results showed the leaf extract having remarkable activity against all bacterial pathogens compared to fruits. This study supports, the traditional medicines (herbal extracts) to cure many diseases like diarrhea, intestinal tract, throat, ear infections, fever and skin diseases. Key words: Passiflora foetida, antibacterial activity, ethanol and acetone extracts, human pathogenic bacteria.