The study was designed to standardize and evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of seeds of Cassia tora (Cesalpinaceae). Pharacognostic investigation of the fresh, powdered and anatomical sections of the seeds of Cassia tora was carried out. The seeds were subjected to extraction and the aqueous extract of Cassia tora seeds was standardized as per the guidelines and methods set by world health organization for herbal drugs. The standardized extract was subjected to phyto-chemical analysis followed by antimicrobial evaluation using cup-plate technique. Pharmacognostic evaluation confirmed the authenticity of the seeds with respect to its morphology as well the microscopy. Phytochemical studies of the standardized extract revealed the presences of carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, triterpenes, tannins and some flavanoids. The extract was identified by the presence of emodine in it by HPTLC. The extract was free from heavy metals and arsenic. The ash values were with in the acceptable limits. The saponin content of the extract was found to be 18.4%. Antibacterial evaluation revealed that aqueous extract was more effective and S.aureus was the most susceptible organism. The present study supports the use of aqueous extracts of Cassia tora seeds for treating bacterial infection and skin disea ses like psoriasis.
