Microbial Potential of Euphorbia hirta

ABOUT AUTHOR
Shirish S. Pingale*
Department of Chemistry,
Gramonnati Mandal’s Arts, Com. & Sci. College, Narayangaon, Pune (Affiliated to University of Pune).
E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Euphorbia hirta is common weed found all over the world, growing primarily during raining season. The aim of the investigation was to carry out and evaluate the traditional use of Euphorbia hirta with reference to antibacterial effect and antifungal effect. The extracts of various stages of phytochemical analysis were taken for to check antibacterial and antifungal properties. The extracts are found to have positive effect with reference to bacteria like E. Coli and Staph Aureus as well as for fungus Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
Key words: Extracts, phytochemical analysis, Euphorbia hirta, antibacterial and antifungal activity
INTRODUCTION
The oldest remedies known to mankind are herbal medicines. India is known worldwide for its Ayurvedic treatment. Euphorbia hirta is often used traditionally for female disorders, respiratory ailments (cough, coryza, bronchitis, and asthma), worm infestations in children, dysentery, jaundice, pimples, gonorrhea, digestive problems and tumors. It is reported to contain alkanes, triterpenes, phytosterols, tannins, polyphenols and flavanoids. This review describes the medicinal properties, chemical constituents, and other important aspects of Euphorbia hirta. The plant material of Euphorbia hirta was collected from Avsari forest park of Ambegaon Tahisil, Pune. The plant was dried under shade for 8-10 days. The dried plant material was then crushed into powder by using an electronic mixer. The powdered sample was stored in airtight plastic container at room temperature for further analysis.