Evaluation of bioactive traits of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. root exudates.

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk (Asteraceae) is a branched herbaceous plant known for its curative properties against various tropical and sub-tropical diseases. In India, it is commonly known as Bhringaraj and Karisilakanni and in Bengali it is called keshut. The extensive growth of the plant in moist areas of diverse topology indicates its invasiveness and signifies its intense allelopathic activity. Morphologically the plant bears soft and sessile stem. In view of this allelopathic potential, the roots of the plants are considered as a vital biochemical mediator to the environment. Hence, the present study attempts to evaluate the allelopathic activity of the root exudates of E. alba. Amongst the major solvent extracts from the roots, the methanol fraction was found to possess significant antimicrobial activity against microbes with multiple hosts and environment. Bioassay on crop germination establishes it as a natural agricultural resource for fertilizer. The experimental finding inferred statistical significance at 0.001 level and validates practical implication.