• Dr PULIPATI SOWJANYA
• Dr. PuttaguntabSrinivasa Babu
• P. Maha Lakshmi

Plants are among the most ancient life forms on Earth and have evolved sophisticated chemical defense mechanisms to protect themselves from microbial pathogens. In this study, the antibacterial potential of Portulaca oleracea was investigated, with a focus on evaluating the bioactivity of its aqueous extract against a range of bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris. The plant material underwent extraction using the hot percolation process with distilled water as the solvent. A preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted, revealing the presence of various bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. The antibacterial efficacy of the aqueous extract varied across the tested bacterial strains. It exhibited the highest activity against E.coli, with an inhibition zone of 16 ± 0.57 mm. Moderate antibacterial effects were observed against B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae, each with an inhibition zone of 13 ± 0.57 mm, while the least activity was recorded against P. aeruginosa, with a zone of inhibition measuring 11 ± 0.57 mm. Furthermore, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay revealed that S. aureus and E.coli were the most susceptible bacterial strain to the aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves, showing complete growth inhibition at a minimal concentration of 12.5 µg/ml. These findings suggest that P. oleracea possesses promising antibacterial properties, against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, highlighting its potential for further exploration in the development of natural antimicrobial agents.

Portulaca oleracea, phytoconstituents, antibacterial activity

"Purslane as a Natural Antimicrobial: Investigating the Bioactivity of Its Aqueous Extract", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.f581-f591, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503598.pdf

"Purslane as a Natural Antimicrobial: Investigating the Bioactivity of Its Aqueous Extract", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. ppf581-f591, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2503598.pdf