Journal of Environmental Biology

Antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of Origanum

majorana L. (Sweet marjoram)

L. Leeja and J. E. Thoppil*

Genetics and Plant Breeding Division, Department of Botany, University of Calicut–673 635, India

(Received: November 11, 2004 ; Revised received: June 20, 2005 ; Accepted: July 5, 2005)

Abstract: In-vitro microbicidal activity of the methanol extract of Origanum majorana L. was tested against seven fungi (Fusarium solani, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, A. parasiticus, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizoctonia  oryzae-sativae and Alternaria brassicicola) and six bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus).  The methanol extract of O. majorana can be used as an effective herbal protectant against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi. High toxicity against the growth of Aspergillus niger was diagnosed.

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