Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Roccella belangeriana

The investigation was carried out to study the antibacterial and antiinflammatory of the Roccella belangeriana (Lichens) in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema im albino rats. Antimicrobial activity of the acetone and aqueous extracts of Roccella belangeriana were determined against various pathogenic bacteria. The extracts were tested against various bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli by disk diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of both extracts were determined. It is concluded that acetone extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. Acetone extarct of Roccella belangeriana was given at a dose of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of body weight (p.o) and standard drug, Diclofenac sodium at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The paw oedema volume was determined for 3 hours at every one hour interwal. The extract exhibited dose dependent activity at all three dose levels. This Study lends sceintific support for it's use in folk medicine.