Fractionation, Phytochemical Screening, Anti Oxidant and Anti Microbial Assay of Curcuma Longa

Abstract

Curcuma longa, commonly known as ‘turmeric’, is widely used as a spice and colouring agent, and is known for its medicinal properties. Various sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids have been isolated from the rhizome of C. longa, attributing a wide array of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anticancer and antiproliferative, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be inhibited by antibiotics, either by blocking the protein synthesis or peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall. Various studies have shown the antimicrobial effects of extracts of roots of Curcuma longa on various microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans, etc. Considering the above mentioned factors, the present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Curcuma longa rhizome extracts on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. In this study, the zone of inhibition of various fractions of the extract was determined and results were report