Abstract

Chromolaeana odorata (L.) is classified as an invasive weed in Southern Africa and is a major contributing species towards reduction of land masses for indigenous vegetation. The species have been noted to have some medicinal values abroad. The current investigation on the South African has indicated potential use of the species in traditional medicines. This could assist in alternative use of C. ordorata for traditional usage rather than an invasive species. The methanol leaf extracts was effective against all Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) as well as one Gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli. The stem extract was not as effective as the leaf extract. However, some activity was noted for stem extracts in both the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts for all Gram-positive bacteria tested.

Key words: Chromolaena odorata, antimicrobial, traditional medicines.