Analyzing the antimicrobial efficacy of the economically important tree Knema linifolia (Roxb.) Warb

Abstract

Knema linifolia is widely used for fuel wood, fodder and healthcare purposes. This plant treats various diseases in different parts of India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Alipurduar and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal. This study was carried out to determine the bactericidal properties of various parts of K. linifolia aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of the leaves, bark, stem and plant sap were tested against Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) & Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria). Among the tested extracts, both the leaf and bark extracts were found to have high bactericidal potential and can kill more than 60% of both bacterial strains with a concentration of 300µg/mL through an agar diffusion test. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) values for the leaf and bark extracts were recorded at ≤1000µg/mL & ≤500µg/mL, respectively. It has also been found that both the bark and leaf extracts contain high tannins, which might be essential for the antibacterial properties of Knema sp. There is currently a lack of proper documentation on using K. linifolia, which makes it challenging to conduct clinical or commercial research to support new uses in modern phototherapy. This study aims to fill this gap and provide significant information that could lead to changes in modern medicine.