Antimicrobial Activity of Indian Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum): A Comparative Study

Abstract

Millets are nutrient-rich cereals possessing several bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and dietary fibers that contribute to their therapeutic potential. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Indian Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) extracts against selected pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Methanolic extracts of millet samples were tested at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/mL), and antibacterial activity was expressed as percentage relative inhibition compared with streptomycin (10 µg/disc). Finger millet exhibited comparatively higher antimicrobial activity than pearl millet across all tested microorganisms. Maximum inhibition was observed against B. subtilis and S. aureus at 100 mg/mL concentration. The results indicate dose-dependent antimicrobial effects attributed to millet polyphenols and phytoconstituents. These findings support the use of millets as potential functional foods and natural antimicrobial agents.