ISSN: 2329-6674
Harsh R. Chunara
The present study deals with the antimicrobial activity of different extracts of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) (Seed, Leaves and pulp) against seven microorganisms: two Gram-positive bacteria, i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus; three Gram-negative bacteria, i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and two yeasts, i.e. Candida albicans& C. parapsilosis.Results revealed that all extracts (Seed, Leaves and pulp) were very effective against P. aeruginosa while some extracts showed no inhibition against S. aureus at all tested concentration (20, 40 & 80 μg/ml).The maximum inhibition zone at 80 μg/ml concentration of n-hexane pulp extract was 39 ± 0.1 mm against P. aeruginosa. The minimum concentration (MIC) for n-hexane pulp extract was 1.65 μg/ml for P. aeruginosa, leading to a conclusion that the n-hexane pulp extract of pumpkin was found to be the most potent. Thus it can be concluded that n- hexane pulp extract of Cucurbita pepo L. was more potent as compared n- hexane seed and leaves extract of Cucurbita pepo L.