Anti-tuberculosis activity of Indian grass KHUS (Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash)

Aims Et objectives: Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash (Family: Poaceae) root (intact and spent) extracts and fractions were evaluated for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv and H37Ra strains using radiometric BACTEC 460 TB system. Methods & results: The ethanolic extract of intact as well as spent root were showed potent antituberculosis activity at a minimum concentration of 500 mu g/mL. The hexane fraction also showed antibacterial action by recording continuous decline in growth index (GI) of M. tuberculosis at 50 mu g/mL. It was furthermore observed that root extract and hexane fraction showed activity even after the extraction of essential oil by hydro-distillation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ethanolic extract and hexane fraction exhibited potent antimycobacterial activity. Significance and impact of the study: The observed potential inhibitory characteristic not only supports the traditional medicinal uses of vetiver but also signify a promising candidature of root extract and hexane fraction of V. zizanioides as an antituberculosis agent. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.