EVALUATING THE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF WEEDS IN COMBATING MICROBIAL INFECTIONS

Abstract

Weeds, specifically angiosperms and certain pteridophytes, are known to be harmful to humans. This study investigates the potential benefits of two weeds, Withania somnifera and Lantana camara, in fighting microbial infections. The well method was used to measure the inhibition zone on agar plates, and extracts from various parts of these weeds were found to inhibit the growth of Vibrio cholerae, a severe human pathogen. However, in some tests, the growth of pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis was stimulated by leaf and flower extracts of L. camara and W. somnifera. This highlights the complex relationship between the antimicrobial properties of weeds and their potential impact on human health