Enhanced antibacterial activity of salt water extracts of coleus aromaticus

The undertaken exercise was to analyze the exacerbating effect of common salt on the antibacterial activity of Coleus aromaticus, a commonly found medicinal herb in India. Water, ethanol, acetone and salt water (1.2% NaCl) extracts of Coleus aromaticus were examined for their antibacterial efficacy by disc diffusion method on both Gram positive (viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram negative (viz. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. Results of the study disclosed that the salt water extract of the leaf exhibited a profound antibacterial activity on both Gram type of bacteria, in comparison with the other extracts. The results thus support the age old practice of consuming the leaf in combination with salt, as a better smoothening (anti tussessive) agent against throat infections and a natural cure for tonsils.