Antibacterial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Dioscorea alata L.: a medicinal food crop of rural Odisha


Abstract published
 
National Seminar on “Innovations in Science & Technology for inclusive development” organised by Indian Science Congress Association on the occasion of the 16th Odisha Bigyan Congress, November 23-24, 2013 at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneshwar, pp-143.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Dioscorea alata L.: a medicinal food crop of rural Odisha

Sanjeet Kumar
A. Singh, S. P. Behera, S.K.Rath, N.R.Singh and P.K.Jena
Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack-753003

Abstract
Dioscorea alata L., commonly known as Mati aalu, is a monocot vine having tuberous root along with aerial edible bulbils. It belongs to family Dioscoreaceae and is very popular food supplement among the tribal and rural communities of the state of Odisha. The tuber juice is used as cooling agents during summer in southern part of Odisha. Its parts are used as food and medicine among rural and tribal communities of the state. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Dioscorea alata L. Tuber extracts. Phytochemical evaluation was carried out. Phytochemical screening showed wide pharmacological values of this plant. Presence of tannin, flavonoids and phenolic compounds in all tuber extracts may be responsible for antibacterial and other bioactivities. Antimicrobial activity and MIC activity using Disc Diffusion assay of methanol and acetone extracts was carried out. Both extracts showed prominent activity against Vibrio cholera, Shigella flexnerii, Salomnella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans. Results validate Dioscorea alata L. is not only a food plant, but also a good source for formulation of new antimicrobial agents. Further works need to be carried out for pharmacological evaluation of Dioscorea alata L. plant parts.

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Floral wealth of Mahanadi River