Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Guava (pisdium Guajava) And Orange (citrus Sinensis) Stems Extract Against Streptococcus Mutans And Candida Albicans

Different parts of the Psidium guajava are reported to be used in folk medicine. Various parts of the plant like root, bark, leaves and fruits are found to possess many pharmacological properties as it is used in the treatment of various disorders. Various evidences depict that the leaves and bark of P. guajava tree possess a long history of medicinal uses. The aqueous extract of guava leaves has been reported to be efficacious in the treatment of various types of gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, inhibition of the peristaltic reflex and gastroenteritis. Moreover the whole plant is used as skin tonic and is employed in the treatment of female related disease like dysmenorrhoea, miscarriages, uterine bleeding and premature labour. Recent studies on the pharmacological properties of the bark, fruit and leaves depicts antibacterial, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, spasmolytic and central nervous system depressant activities. Bark tincture showed fungicidal activity at different concentrations but exhibit only fungistatic property in case of Candida albicans. Leaf extract of psidium guajava also reported for the anti-bacterial activity on staphylococcus aureus due to the protein degrading activity of the leaf extract. The aqueous extract was more potent in inhibiting the growth of E.coli, staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa than the organic extracts. The Gram negative bacteria were less susceptible to the effect of crude drugs. The genus Citrus belongs to the family of Rutaceae and is native tropical and subtropical areas in Southeast Asia. The citrus plants are grown worldwide and ranks top in production and trade among the fruit trees. Citrus fruits are richer sources of bioactive compounds having beneficial effect on human health such as vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids, limonoids, essential oils, acridone alkaloind, minerals and vitamin B complex. Majority of citrus fruits are eaten fresh such as sweet orange, mandarins, grapefruits etc (metallurgy 2011).

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of two medicinal plants (Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis) against two microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Candida aldicans).

OBJECTIVES 

i. To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis against the test organisms 

ii. To determine the phytochemical properties of Psidium guajava and Citrus x sinensis.