Evaluation of in Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Caralluma umbellata Haw Used in Traditional Medicine by Indian Tribes

Aims: To find out a scientific validation for the traditional knowledge of tribals of Chittoor District, India for their usage of Caralluma umbellata Haw to cure stomach disorder and pain.
Methodology: Antibacterial activity of Caralluma umbellata Haw was studied on a few Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The dry roots and stems were extracted using hexane, benzene, diethyl ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol and were tested for their antibacterial activity.
Results: The root extracts were found to be effective against most of the organisms than the stem extracts. The extracts were highly effective against Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Chloroform extracts of both roots and stems exhibited good antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria except Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Conclusion: The demonstration of antibacterial activity of C. umbellata against Gram positive (B. subtilisand B.cereus) and Gram negative bacteria (E.coli) provides the scientific basis for its use in the traditional treatment of stomach disorder.