Antimicrobial Activity of ZINGIBER OFFICINALIS (Snoth)

Plant derived products have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. At present, it is estimated that about 80% of world population rely on botanical preparations as medicines to meet their health needs. Herbs and spices are generally considered safe and proved to be effective against certain ailments. They are also extensively used, particularly in many Asian countries such as in Pakistan. So always there is a need to investigate medicinal properties of herbs and spices. In this study the antibacterial and antifungal activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinalis (ginger) against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Basillus subtilis, Pasteurella multocida and Aspergillus niger were investigated using the disc diffusion method. It was observed that the solvent of extraction and its varying concentrations affected the sensitivity of all organisms used to the plant material. This study indicated that ginger was effective and produced marked inhibitory effect on the test organisms, thus confirming its use in folk medicines.