Antimicrobial Activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek)

Abstract

Traditional uses of plants have led to investigating their bioactive compounds which had resulted in the detection of a significant number of therapeutics properties. Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is believed to be native to the Mediterranean region or Asia; it is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs. Fenugreek contains different alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. In present studies the antimicrobial activity of Fenugreek leaves, seeds and stem extract (Methanol, Acetone and aqueous extract) against E. coli and Staphylococcus were determined by the well diffusion method. The maximum zone of inhibition was given by methanol i.e. 20 mm and 19 mm against E. coli and Staphylococcus respectively, followed by Acetone extract which give the equal zone of inhibition for both organism i.e. 16 mm while the aqueous extract shows nill zone of inhibition. Thus from bacteriological point of view Fenugreek leaves and stem appears to play a great role in clinical as well as antibacterial agents.