AN IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ASSESSMENT OF RUBIA CORDIFOLIA, OPERCULINA TURPETHUM, AND STRYCHNOS POTATORUM AGAINST ESCHERICHIA COLI AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Introduction: In the era of escalating antimicrobial resistance, medicinal plants offer promising alternatives for novel drug discovery. In vitro studies serve as crucial tools for evaluating the antimicrobial potential of plant-based compounds. This study focuses on the antimicrobial screening of three Ayurvedic medicinal herbs—Rubia cordifolia (Manjistha), Strychnos potatorum (Katak), and Operculina turpethum (Trivrit)—traditionally recognized for their therapeutic properties. Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the selected Vishaghna herbs by integrating traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern microbiological evidence, and to comparatively assess their efficacy against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains through in vitro analysis. Methodology: Crude extracts were prepared using methanol, aqueous, and ethyl acetate solvents. The Broth Dilution Method was employed to assess in vitro activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using spectrophotometric absorbance at 600 nm. Results: Strychnos potatorum showed the strongest antimicrobial effect, especially against E. coli, followed by Operculina turpethum. Rubia cordifolia exhibited minimal activity. Conclusion: The study confirms the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Strychnos potatorum and supports the continued exploration of ethnobotanical.