Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

Tribulus terrestris L. is a traditionally well known medicinal plant, used to treat different human health related issues. The present study focused on the morphological, cytological, phytochemical and antibacterial activity of two forms of T. terrestris. The detailed investigation has revealed the presence of two morphotypes from the study area. Meiotic study has witnessed a diploid chromosome number n=18. Preliminary phytochemical analysis has shown alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenols etc. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) have depicted the relevant functional groups and elemental profiles, respectively. The plant extracts of two forms were studied for antibacterial activity against two Gram positive [Enterococcus faecalis (MTCC 439) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923)] and two Gram negative bacteria [Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853)] using agar well diffusion method. Ethanol extracts have shown significant activity against the bacteria under investigation. The present study has suggested the presence of different chemical compounds pertaining to the activity against the selected pathogenic bacteria. Further studies can be planned for the isolation and characterization of these compounds.