Antimicrobial activity of Coccocarpia erythroxyli (Spreng.) swinc. & krog

The present study investigates antimicrobial potential of extract of a corticolous foliose macrolichen Cococarpia erythroxyli (Spreng.) Swinc. & Krog. Extraction of powdered lichen was carried out by maceration process using methanol. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of lichen extract was determined by Agar well diffusion and Poisoned food technique respectively. Lichen extract displayed concentration dependent inhibitory activity against test bacteria with highest and least inhibitory activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli respectively. In case of fungi, highest and least susceptibility to extract was shown by Curvularia sp. and Alternaria sp. respectively. In suitable formulation, the lichen can be used to treat bacterial infections and to manage seedborne fungi.