TOXICOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF PINUSROXBURGHII SARG. AGAINST WATER BORNE PATHOGENS

Abstract

The present investigation focused on the toxicological efficacy of essential oil of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. The oils were extracted from the leaves using hydro-distillation method. Further its toxicological efficacy was evaluated against Escherichia coli (MTCC-723),Klebsiella pneumoniae(MTCC No. 4032),Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC-3231) and Vibrio cholerae (MTCC-3906). Toxicological efficacy of essential oil was found highest against S. typhimurium. Inhibiting activity was also found against K. pneumoniae and E. coli (MTCC-723). Least activity was recorded against V. cholerae. Hence, essential oil from leaves of P. roxburghii exhibit great potential for the development of eco-friendly, nontoxic, cost-effective anti-bacterial herbal drug formulations.