Antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities of Ferula narthex Boiss.

Crude methanolic extract of roots, aerial parts and its subsequent fractions of Ferula narthex Boiss were tested for antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities. Crude methanolic extract of roots and its fractions showed significant antibacterial effect against P.aeruginosa (86.95%, 73.91, 69.59, 78.26 & 73.91%) represented by percent inhibition except ethyl acetate (EtoAc) fraction. The EtoAc fraction of roots and aerial parts showed significant activity against E. coli (80%), S. typhi (81.2 & 81.25%) and S. pneumoniae (80%). The n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous fractions of aerial parts showed significant activity against P. aeruginosa (78.26, 69.56 & 73.91%). Following fungal strains (T. longifusus, C. albicans, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani, C. glabrata) were also used for anti-fungal activity. Among tested samples only crude methanol extract of roots, n-hexane and chloroform fraction showed moderate anti-fungal activity against M. canis (40, 35 & 30%) represented by percent inhibition. The remaining fractions showed no effect on tested fungi. Different oils fractions were also tested against above fungal strains. Fraction I, II & V showed mild to moderate activity against M. canis (40, 40 & 25%). Phytotoxic effect of tested samples of roots, aerial part and its fractions showed concentration dependent growth inhibition. Maximum phytotoxic effect was noted for n-hexane and aqueous fraction (50% growth inhibition). The remaining tested samples showed mild effect on growth of Lemna minor plant.