Antibacterial potency of Ziziphus mauritiana (Fam-Rhamnaceae) roots

Abstract

Background: Ziziphus mauritiana is a well known herb generally its fruit is used in stomach ailments or infections.The genus Ziziphus is known for its antimicrobial potency. Material and Methods: Here Z. mauritiana roots were taken for conducting experiments in various bacterial strains for evaluating its antibacterial potency by disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition were also determined. The mode of action was determined by leakage of nucleic acid and its determination by UV spectrometry. Results: The root extract of Z.mauritiana posses excellent antibacterial activity against as the activity is well compared with standard drug ciprofloxacin. The mode of action of the extract was bactericidal. Conclusion: Effective and safe herbal antibiotic may be produced in the future by root extract of Z.mauritiana.