Antibacterial screening of Ajuga bracteosa wall ex. Benth leaves found in Swat, Kyber Paktunkhwa, Pakistan

The present study was focused on the anti-bacterial potential of Ajuga bracteosa, found in northern areas of Pakistan. Three different extracts of the selected plant species were used during the experiment. The anti-bacterial study was carried out against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Agar pore diffusion tests indicated that all of the conducted extracts i.e., Methanolic, Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate extracts have unique antibacterial sensitivities. The susceptibility of the tested bacteria varied between species and strains. Staphylococcus aureus showed highest zone of inhibition (24 mm) in ethanolic extract while least (20 mm) in Ethyl Acetate. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed highest zone (18 mm) in Methanolic while least (2mm) in Ethanolic Extract. Bacillus subtilis was resistant to Methanol and Ethanol extracts exhibiting 3 mm and 2 mm inhibition while susceptible to Ethyl Acetate extract leaving an inhibition area of 15mm. For E. coli, methanolic and ethanolic extract showed 2 mm and 15 mm respectively while Ethyl Acetate showed 14 mm. In case of S. Epidermidis, the highest inhibition was observed in Ethyl Acetate (20 mm) while lowest inhibition (12 mm) in methanolic extract.