Antibacterial activity and in situ efficacy of Bidens pilosa Linn and Dichrostachys cinerea Wight et Arn extracts against common diarrhoea-causing waterborne bacteria.

The presence of the secondary metabolites and nontoxic effect of the two plants tested may affirm the medicinal value of these leaf extracts. Our results suggest that B. pilosa and D. cinerea contain constituents with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which could be used in the treatment of diarrhoea in a case where untreated surface water is used.