Antibacterial activities of genetic variants of Mirabilis jalapa

The aqueous and ethanolic extract derived from the leaves of an indigenous medicinal plant Mirabilis jalapa L (white, cream, yellow and pink, flowered plants) were screened for antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus. Aqueous extracts did not display any inhibition to the tested bacteria. However, the ethanolic extract of only white flowered plant showed good antibacterial activitiy against S. aureus i.e. 54%. While other three colors i.e. cream, yellow, and pink flowered plants extract didn't show any zone of inhibition against the tested bacteria. The growth inhibitions (%) were calculated with reference to the activities of tetracycline which was taken as a standard (100%). The research clear cut indicates the effectiveness of white flowered plant of M. jalapa against S. aureus. Which is responsible for causing diseases like skin infections, pneumonia, and food poisoning etc.