Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of crude extracts of moss Funaria hygrometrica (Funariaceac) for potential antibacterial activity

Abstract

Traditionally bryophytes are known to possess some bioactive components and, therefore, used throughout the world as drugs and remedies to cure various diseases. In the present study, bioassay for antibacterial activities was carried out using whole plant of Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. Different solvent fractions and aqueous extracts of this moss were obtained and dried in vacuum. Antibacterial effect of these fractions was determined by disc diffusion technique on different human pathogenic gram positive bacteria ie Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, gram negative bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The result was then compared with the standard antibiotic streptomycin. Both the aqueous and organic crude extracts showed considerable activity against all the bacteria but maximum antibacterial activity was observed in ethanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemical analysis of the extract indicated the presence of steroid, flavonoids, alkaloids starch and oil.