ABSTRACT:
As there is an upsurge of antibiotic resistance in microbes it is a matter of concern for all that need attention throughout the world. Besides there are other side effects of using antibiotics that led to exploration of antimicrobials from other sources too. A wide variety of Secondary metabolites present in plants are defensive in nature and are valuable resource of reliable, cost effective, efficient antimicrobials as these are time tested as already practiced in traditional medicine system. Present study focuses on phytochemical screening and antimicrobial potential of three weed plants viz, Achyranthes, Amaranthus and Chenopodium of family Amaranthaceae. Comparative studies revealed leaves of all three plants extracted in acetone, methanol and ether showed significant antimicrobial activities. Chenopodium leaves showed best results against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Salmonella in acetone extracts whereas against Bacillus, Achyranthes leaves extracted in methanol were most effective proving them to be a better resource in search of safe antimicrobials.