In the present study the antimicrobial activity of chloroform and methanolic extracts of Opuntia cochenillifera for both cladode and fruits was investigated. Methanolic extract was found to be an effective against the microbes namely, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida albican C.glabrata C.haemulonii C.Tropicalis. Maximum activity was observed against E. coli, B. Subtilis and, C.albican and C.glabrata at 40mg/ml. Agar well diffusion assay was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration of all test microorganisms.
There are no reports till now regarding Opuntia cochenillifera plant applications in health care system. The present results can be useful in further investigations on antimicrobial studies of this plant and other aspects. The cladode and fruits can be used in the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria Candida.