Antimicrobial Screening of the Solvent Extracts of Marchantia polymorpha against Some Pathogenic Strains

Abstract

Marchantia polymorpha is a shade loving species of bryophytes prefers to grow in low temperature and moderate humidity, where presence of thick forest canopy. Marchania polymorpha used in tribal regions for several medicinal applications. Based on its importance, this species is evaluated for antimicrobial activity against four bacterial stains such as Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus mutans (Gram positive), Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella enterica (Gram negative) and two fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans, Rhizopus oryzae) by Agar Well Diffusion method. Plant extracts were obtained successfully with hexane, chloroform, methanol and water using Soxhlet extraction apparatus. Results of this study reveal that methanol extracts of M. polymorpha thallus showed the significant antimicrobial activity against all bacterial and fungal pathogens. These studies on bryophyte species indicated that the presence of active constituents which can be exploited for the production of novel drugs for the benefit of the humanity.