摘要：The present study was taken up as an exploratory study to test some natural dyes of Kashmir valley for their inherent antimicrobial activity with a view to develop a natural food dye. The plant species including Bidens tripatita L., Celosia argentia L. var plumose, Rubus fructicosus L., Indigofera heterantha Wall., Rubia cordifolia L., Bistorta amplexicaule D. Don., Calendula officinalis L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Prunella vulgaris L., Fragaria nubicola Lindl. ex Lacaita collected from different locations of Kashmir valley were characterized and identified in terms of morphological attributes, inflorescence/floral features and fruit size at maturity. Further, their extracts were analyzed for their anti-microbial activity against selected microbes (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus spp. and Pencillium spp.). Most of the plant extracts showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus; and antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Pencillium species with zones of inhibition ranging between 7.25 mm to 16 mm. Among the tested samples, the highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in Rubia cordifolia L. root extract showing maximum zone of inhibition (16 mm).
