Abstract
Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana C. Presl) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) have been traditionally used in the treatment of skin infection by Indigenous peoples of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The main objective of this study was to examine the antibacterial efficacy of extracts of Nootka rose and stinging nettle against the common pathogenic skin bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using Indigenous science and standard methods of analysis. The Indigenous science method of plant extraction by steeping as advised by the Traditional Knowledge keeper was performed to examine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) by serial dilution and bacterial population counts. Soxhlet extractions and Kirby Bauer disc sensitivity testing showed that Nootka rose extracts possessed antibacterial effectiveness against all three bacterial species while stinging nettle extracts were effective against M. luteus. Results for MIC and MBC indicated antibacterial activity against M. luteus and S. aureus for the Nootka rose when using full-strength solutions; all three bacterial species exhibited growth when undiluted stinging nettle treatments were used. When considering bacterial population counts for S. aureus, results indicated that only the Nootka rose treatment offered effective inhibition. Chemical analysis showed that alkaloid percentage was greater in the stinging nettle (0.17%) than Nootka rose (0.07%), while saponin percentage was greater in the Nootka rose (0.87%) than stinging nettle (0.17%). Overall, Nootka rose showed a greater level of antibacterial effectiveness than stinging nettle by Indigenous and Western scientific methods of plant extract preparation.
Highlights
Indigenous peoples of North America have historically used plants such as Nootka rose
This study examines the effectiveness of traditional Nootka rose and stinging nettle plant preparations, that have been used traditionally by the Indigenous people of British Columbia and Washington to wash the skin [26], against three common bacterial species capable of causing skin infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The antibacterial activity of Nootka rose and stinging nettle was considered for both Indigenous science and Western science protocols of plant preparation
Summary
Indigenous peoples of North America have historically used plants such as Nootka rose Statistics continue to show that a large proportion of the world’s population continues to use medicinal plants as preventative maintenance of wellbeing, for their primary health care needs, and/or treatment of disease [1]. In this context, plants are consistently viewed as sources of useful medicines and are considered to have great potential in future applications for improving health, including the healing of infections as highlighted in this study. Because the development of antibiotics resistance is a world-wide health concern, finding new plants to effectively treat infections can be especially helpful and timely
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
