LAUSR

Peritonitis is an inflammatory condition of peritoneal cavity. Escherichia coli is one of the causative microorganism reported to be involved in the several etiologies associated with peritoneal infection. Many antimicrobial agents are available; however, increased incidence of microbial resistance is an important concern for medical practitioner. Medicinal plants were used since ancient time for treatment of many infectious diseases, but still the potential of these plant resources is not well explored. Present study was designed to investigate protective potential of Coriandrum sativum seed extract on E. coli induced peritonitis and bacteraemia, when used alone or in combination with Levofloxacin. Different extracts were prepared by successive solvent extraction utilizing solvents of variable polarity viz. petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol (70%). These extracts were assessed for antimicrobial potential utilizing in-vitro well diffusion assay and MIC determination with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus. Being most potent among other extracts in in-vitro assays, methanolic extract was tested in an invivo model of E. coli induced peritonitis with immune-compromised mice at the dose of 400 mg/kg/day alone and in combination with Levofloxacin (20 mg/kg). Methanolic extract of Coriandrum sativum seeds exhibited potent protective potential against E. coli induced peritonitis and bacteraemia.