Pharmacognostic, Antimicrobial and Toxicological Studies of a Seasonal Medicinal Plant; Tagetes Patula L

Abstract

Purpose of this study: This study has been carried out to explore the medicinal significance of Tagetes patula by evaluating its in vitro antibacterial, antifungal and toxicological effects. Pharmacognostic standardization is done to maintain the purity and quality of the drug.

Methodology: Pharmacognostic studies (macro morphology and microscopy i.e.  Histology and powder microscopy), solubility and color reaction of T.patula were carried out followed by in vitro antimicrobial studies of ethanol extract of the flowers.  In this regard antibacterial, antifungal, and toxicological studies were performed by well diffusion, Agar dilution, and larvicidal activity respectively.

Results: Flower extract of T. patula showed good antibacterial effects against gram +ve and gram –ve bacteria except Shigella flexanri. Moreover it showed powerful antifungal effects against various human (Aspergillus flavus, Candida glabrata, Trichophytonlongifusus), plant (Fusariumsolani)and animal pathogens (Microsporumcanis). Moreover remarkable larvicidal activity was observed  against brine shrimp at 100 and 1000 µg/ml.

Conclusion: This research study makes the valuable medicinal plant a good candidate for skin infections and wound management for topical use.Such studies will help in formulating topical herbal preparations to combat inflammatory and infectious skin disease.