Abul Bashar Ripon Khalipha 1,2* , Khadija Akter1, Taslima Akter3
Pharmacy, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100
2Evergreen Scientific Research Centre, Gopalganj-8100, Bangladesh
3Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar Dhaka.
ABSTRACT
Commelina benghalensis L., a widely used medicinal herb in Bangladesh, has been traditionally employed for treating otitis media, suppurative sores, burns, conjunctivitis, and various skin diseases, including eczema, abscesses, acne, scabies, and warts. Despite its extensive use in folk medicine, the bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic properties remain unidentified.This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of different extracts of C. benghalensis, including ethanolic, petroleum etheric, diethyl etheric, methanolic, and aqueous extracts, against a range of pathogenic bacteria. The extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial potency against multiple infectious pathogens, including Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Zones of inhibition were observed for almost all tested bacteria, with some exceptions.
The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extracts were found to be significant, highlighting the potential of C. benghalensis as a natural antibacterial agent. These findings support the plant’s traditional medicinal use and underscore its potential for further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Identifying and characterizing the bioactive constituents responsible for its antibacterial properties could lead to the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Further research is recommended to isolate these compounds and evaluate their mechanisms of action, paving the way for innovative natural therapeutics derived from this traditional medicinal plant.