Antimicrobial activity of Latex of Calotropis gigantea against some bacteria

Medicinal plants contain a plethora of biologically active compounds synthesized through primary and secondary metabolism, offering diverse therapeutic potentials. Calotropis gigantea L., commonly known as milkweed emerges as a promising candidate due to its extensive traditional use and scientifically proven medicinal properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Calotropis gigantea latex extract against different types of harmful bacteria. The present study consisted of assembling Calotropis gigantea latex from plants in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, followed by extraction and preparation of an aqueous extract. The agar well diffusion method with appropriate controls was used as antimicrobial assays. In order to determine relative percentage inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), crude latex extract was used. The findings exhibited significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli using latex extract compared to controls. The zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus was measured as 30 ± 1 mm, for Lactobacillus was measured as 16 ± 1 mm, and for Escherichia coli zone of inhibition was measured as 24.6 ± 0.5 mm. With a confidence level of p<0.05, these results have been confirmed by data analysis. The relative percentage inhibition was measured as 290.5% for Staphylococcus aureus, 200.4% was measured for Lactobacillus, and a remarkable 381.1% was measured for Escherichia coli. In the case of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, a minimum inhibitory concentration of 62.5 g ml was measured with Lactobacillus showing slightly higher MICs at 125 g ml. These findings indicate the significant antimicrobial potential of Calotropis gigantea latex extract against a diverse range of microorganisms, emphasizing its promising therapeutic applications in combating microbial infections. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and optimize its medicinal properties. © 2020 The Author(s)