EXPLORING THE UNREPORTED ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTIES OF Vigna vexillata AGAINST CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT PATHOGENS
Priyankal Sharma1, Krupa Purandare2, Gaganjyot Kaur1
1G.N. Institute for Research and Development (GNIRD), India2Department of Microbiology, Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Arts, Science and Commerce, India
ABSTRACT: Vigna vexillata, a lesser-known wild legume, has recently gained increasing attention for its potential therapeutic properties. Recent studies suggest that the plant holds promise as a novel source of treatment against various pathogens not previously reported. Research has demonstrated that Vigna vexillata extract exhibits significant natural antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Candida albicans. The leaf extract was obtained using the maceration method, employing water and ethanol as solvents. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was evaluated at five different concentrations using the agar cup method and compared to standard antibiotics such as gentamycin (for bacterial strains) and amphotericin B (for fungal strains). The results revealed a concentration-dependent inhibition of microbial growth, with higher concentrations showing more pronounced antimicrobial effects. These findings offer a new perspective on the potential of Vigna vexillata as a natural source of antimicrobial agents.
KEYWORDS: Antibacterial activity, Antifungal activity, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Candida albicans (C. albicans)