Abstract
Traditional medicine has led to the discovery of important active substances used in several health-related areas. Phytochemicals in Rhoeo discolor extracts have proven to have important antimicrobial activity. In the present study, our group determined the antimicrobial effects of extracts of Rhoeo discolor, a plant commonly used in Mexico for both medicinal and ornamental purposes. We evaluated the in vitro activity of phenolic rich extracts against specifically chosen microorganisms of human health importance by measuring their susceptibility via agar-disc diffusion assay and flow cytometry: Gram-positive Listeria innocua and Streptococcus mutans, Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and lastly a fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Ten different extracts were tested in eight different doses on all the microorganisms. Analytical data revealed a high content of phenolic compounds. Both agar-disc diffusion assay and flow cytometry results demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the least affected by extract exposure. However, low doses of these extracts (predominantly polar), in a range from 1 to 4 μg/mL, did produce a statistically significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on the rest of the microorganisms. These results suggest the addition of certain natural extracts from Rhoeo discolor could act as antibacterial and antimycotic drugs or additives for foods and cosmetics.
Highlights
Since the beginning of medicinal research, a primary focus has been directed towards identification of natural resources and materials [1] with the potential to treat and/or cure sometimes complex diseases or their symptoms, resulting in the development of traditional medicine [2]
Based on the obtained results, we found that not all extracts or all the doses were effective on all the microorganisms studied (Figure S1 in supplementary materials)
The extract–dose analyzed by flow cytometry were: for E. coli, ethanol 4 μg/mL, water non-dried leaf non-boiled 1.5 μg/mL, ethyl acetate 1 μg/mL and water dry leaf non-boiled 4 μg/mL
Summary
Since the beginning of medicinal research, a primary focus has been directed towards identification of natural resources and materials [1] with the potential to treat and/or cure sometimes complex diseases or their symptoms, resulting in the development of traditional medicine [2] This folk knowledge, based predominantly on theories and indigenous experience to maintain good health and disease prevention, has provided important information regarding medicinal plants and practices [3]. The leaves have been used in regional native cultures, consumed mostly in infusions or in direct skin contact, to treat allergic rhinitis, superficial mycosis, ulcers, as a broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and dermatological agent, and as a treatment for cancer [2] These properties have been attributed to the content of bioactive molecules such as anthocyanins [7]. Members of the Commelinaceae family, including R. discolor, have been previously explored as sources of antioxidants and antimicrobials [15,16] the direct effect of the extracts on a variety of microorganisms of importance to human health has yet to be explored
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