M.POONKOTHAI, S.HEMA ISWARYA, D.KAVITHA AND K.VALLIKKANNU
Abstract
Galinsoga ciliata is a small annual herb, which has a wide traditional use. The leaves and inflorescence in dressing the fresh wounds or cuts as well as saddle sores and rawness of the skin to faster quick healing. Petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of the leaves were found to be completely active against the bacteria tested. The leaf extracts displayed higher activity against the Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) rather than the Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The toxicity against microorganisms may be due to the high amount of phenolic compounds present.