Evaluation of antimicrobial activities and phytochemical constituents of extracts of Valeriana wallichii

Valeriana wallichii DC, known as 'Tagar, or Ganthoda ' is a wild herb common in the temperate Himalaya, has been used since long in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. The ancient Indian Charak Samhita has described tagar as cure for obesity, skin disease, gastrointestinal conditions, and snake poisoning. It has been discussed among the bitter tasting and fragrant group of plants. The rhizome and root extracts of Valeriana wallichii DC in various solvents were investigated for its antimicrobial effect. The crude extracts were tested against gram positive Staypholococcus aureus, Staypholococcus epidermidis and gram negative Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis bacteria and fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, M. furfur to find out their antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method. Ethanol and Methanol solvent extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity ranging from 13-18mm diameter of zone of inhibition especially against fungal pathogens as compared to bacterial pathogens. In continuation with these evaluations, the most promising extract in polar solvent was investigated by GC/MS. Components identified in the solvent extract constituting Cyclopentaneacetaldehyde; Quinoline; Aristolene; Cyclohexane, 2,4-diisopropenyl-l-methyl-l-vinyl, Cyclopentane,1-(3-methylbutyl); Tricyclo[5.1.0.0(2,4)oct-5-ene-5-propanoic acid; Ascorbic acid2,6- dihexadecanoate; 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid; Pentadeconic Acid,4 hexadecyl ester; Valeric acid as the major constituents.

Author(s): M. S. Udgire and G. R. Pathade

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article