In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Crinum Purpurascens Herb. Leaf Extract Against the Salmonella Species Causing Typhoid Fever and Its Toxicological Evaluation

Crinum purpurascens is a herbaceous plant belongingto the amaryllidaceae family. we aimed to evaluatethe antisalmonellal properties of the leaf extracts and fractionsof c. purpurascens, and the toxicity of the most active extract.methods: three extracts and three fractions were prepared fromthe leaves of crinum purpurascens herb. (amaryllidaceae) andtested for their antisalmonellal activities and toxicity profile. theantibacterial activity was determined using agar diffusion, agardilution, and broth dilution techniques. phytochemical screeningof the various extracts and fractions was performed. the toxicityprofile of the ch2cl2/meoh (1:1) extract was studied.results: all the extracts and fractions, except hexane fraction,showed antimicrobial activity against salmonella typhi, salmonellaparatyphi a and salmonella paratyphi b. thech2cl2/meoh (1:1) extract showed the highest activity. theminimum inhibitory concentration values were 2.50 mg/mlagainst s. typhi, and 1.88 mg/ml against s. paratyphi a and s.paratyphi b. the minimum bactericidal concentration values were7.50 mg/ml against s. typhi and 3.75 mg/ml against s. paratyphia and s. paratyphi b. mice administered high doses of extractexhibited reduced reaction to noise, locomotion, reactivity andreaction to pinch, and losses in body weight. additionally, the ratsthat received high doses of the extract showed increase in liver,spleen and kidney to body weight ratios, and decrease in total proteinconcentrations of the liver and lung, and in hematocrit value.conclusion: c. purpurascens leaf extract contains antisalmonellalprinciple(s) and at high doses, may have a depressant or sedativeeffect on the central nervous system and analgesic activity.also, it may be anorexiant, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic.iran j med sci 2009; 34(2): 126-136.