Microbiological Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Coleus aromaticus Linn. Leaves

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of essential oil extracted from leaf of Coleus aromaticus Linn. (Lamiaceae) were investigated. The antibacterial activity was tested against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The essential oil showed maximum activity against Salmonella typi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis. The essential oil does not have any influence on Escherichia coli. The standard drug used was chloramphenicol. The antifungal activity against two fungal species Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger were investigated and the essential oil was reported to have maximum zone of inhibition against C. albicans. The essential oil exhibited concentration dependent activity. Keyword: Antimicrobial activity, medicinal plants, essential oil, cup plate diffusion.