Phytochemical Screening and Antimicrobial Activity of Rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum

Background: The use of and search for drugs and dietary supplements derived from plants have accelerated in recent years. Objective: In this study the rhizomes of Hedychium spicatum (Zingiberaceae) were evaluated for phytochemical parameters & antimicrobial activity by determining its MIC (by checker board method) and zone of inhibition (by cup plate method). Phytochemical parameters were studied with the aim of drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species. This study was also designed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the methanolic extract of the rhizomes of H. spicatum against various diarrhea and dysentery causing drug resistant microorganisms isolated from patients admitted in hospitals. Methods and Material: The raw materials of H. spicatum were procured from the local supplier. Various Microbial strains included various drug resistant hospital isolates collected and characterized in the Dept. of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, India. Results: It was evident from the results that the extract was highly active against Shigella boydii, Shigella. soneii, Shigella flexneri, B. cereus, Vibrio cholera, E. coli, S. aureus, Ps. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae. The result of determination of zone of inhibition was compared with that of standard drug (Ciprofloxacin). This study has pointed to the potential application of H. spicatum as a bactericide and fungicide. Conclusions: The findings of this study further reinforces the importance of H. spicatum rhizomes in traditional healthcare practice and its use in culinary. Further investigation is however needed to isolate and purify the bioactive antimicrobial principles for potential development into generic antimicrobials.