Abstract

The use of medicinal plants for treatment of infections is an old age practice. On the basis of this important practice, this study was initiated to evaluate the antibacterial effects of medicinal plants, commonly used by the community of Hazara region of Pakistan. Antibacterial spectrum of traditionally used medicinal plants was determined by disc diffusion method under incubation period of 24 to 48 h at 37°C. Four medicinal plants were tested against the different species of human pathogenic bacteria. It was observed that Incarvillea emodi have good activity against Proteus and significantly active against Staphylococcus. Vernonia anthelmintica revealed significant activity against Staphylococcus and Proteus. However, Pseudomonas is resistant toAdiantum capilus-veneries and this plant is negligibly active against other tested microorganism. Mentha longifolia is significantly active against Proteus, while negligibly active against other tested microorganisms. Escherichia coli is however, resistant to M longifolia.

Key words: Biological activity, medicinal plants, Incarvillea emodi, Vernonia anthelmintica, Adiantum capilus-veneries, Mentha longifolia, Hazara, Pakistan.