Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ORYZA RUFIPOGON GRIFF. FROM NALLAMALAI FOREST AREA.

Lakshmi Devi A. and Yasodamma N.*

Abstract

The wild rice Oryza rufipogon (Poaceae) species is distributed in a few patches of water bodies amidst thick forest areas of Nallamalai hill region of Eastern Ghats. The local tribes used to collect the rice soon after the maturity; otherwise the rice grains may fall in the waters. The grains consist long awn protected by birds and other animals. These grains may develop resistance against all diseases. This rice species is known as Seethamma Vadlu since ancient days of Thretha Yuga where sages and saints used to ate this, which is one of the important wild rice germplasm. Its distribution is very less in extent of area because its habitat is very restricted hence it is to be conserved and protected. There is an immense need to maintain this wild race of rice species in the germplasm conservation centers of India. Each race/ population of wild rice possess particular marker genes may be resistant to diseases, drought and submergence especially in India. Cultivation and comparision with other local cultivar varieties is essential to conserve the wild rice O.rufipogon germplasm and it is also essential to know its leaf extracts antimicrobial activities against human pathogens because traditional uses are having resistance towards all ailments as used by the tribes. Results also supported in showing effective activity against P.aeruginosa and E.coli bacterial strains and on A.niger and C.albicans fungal strains with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations ranges between 0.156 to 0.312mg than the standard drugs Ampicillin and Nystatin.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, ulcers, sores, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), human pathogens.