An investigation of the effect of the extracts from the seeds of Bidens pilosa on the growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium also found in the human. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, non-pathogenic, endospore-forming bacterium. The spores can survive the heat and B. subtilis to cause food poisoning. The study hypothesized that the extracts from B. pilosa would inhibit the growth of E. coli and B. subtilis. The seeds of B. pilosa were purchased from the seed company. The seeds were dried, ground, and shaken in acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water for 72 hours. Solvents were evaporated and the crude extracts were used for antibacterial activity using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc method. The results revealed that the growth of E. coli was inhibited by the extracts using ethanol. The zones of inhibition were 13 mm. The extracts that were extracted using acetone and water were not effective in inhibiting the growth of E. coli. The growth of B. subtilis was inhibited by the extracts from acetone and methanol. The zones of inhibition were 13 mm. The results revealed that the extracts from ethanol and water were not effective in inhibiting the growth of B. subtilis. Seeds of B. pilosa have the potential to be used as antimicrobials.