Screening Fresh, Dry and Processed Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Extract Against Pathogenic Bacteria (original) (raw)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a rhizomatous perennial plant related to Zingiberaceae family, commonly known as Curcuma, Curcum, Haridra and Indian saffron. Curcuminoids represent the key bioactive principles of turmeric, which are of great significance as health beneficial molecules. In the current study, eight cultivars namely, Local (check), Alleppey supreme, Kedaram, Prabha, Prathibha, Suvarna, Suguna and Sudharshana, maintained at Sanjeevani Vatika, Department of Horticulture, UAS (B), GKVK, Bangalore were utilized for the study. Rhizome extract of turmeric in different forms (fresh, dry and Processed) was evaluated for antimicrobial action on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by disc diffusion method. The inhibition zone (mm) was compared to standard antibiotics, Ampicillin and Streptomycin.The results uncovered that the dry and processed form of rhizome extract effectively inhibited P.aeruginosa which is resistant to most broad spectrum antibiotics. Turmeric, may thus offer an effective alternative in prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.