Antimicrobial Activity of Some Edible Plants: Lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ), Coffee, and Others.

A number of edible plant species were investigated for antifungal agents. Whole sprouts and extracts of plant organs were tested in several assays, including bioautography. Amaranth, coffee ( Coffea arabica ), rice, coleus, violet, chervil, and lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ) showed antifungal activity. Rhizomes of lotus had potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger , Trichoderma viride , and Penicillium spp. Further work is merited for characterization of this antifungal agent. Screening of sprouting plants and terrestrial aquatic plants may be a fruitful approach to finding new antimicrobials.