Antimicrobial properties of Teucrium polium against some clinical pathogens

Abstract

Objective To explore the antibacterial effect of the alcoholic extracts of aerial parts of Teucrium polium, native in Iran on some pathogenic bacteria. Methods Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract (50 to 400 mg/mL) and methanolic extract (400 and 600 mg/mL) was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Results The ethanolic extract results showed that Bacillus anthracis was the most sensitive species, while Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were more resistant than others. In the case of the methanolic extract, Bordetella bronchiseptica was the most sensitive and Proteus mirabilis and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were the most resistant species. The hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium had a relatively satisfactory effect on Salmonella typhi. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi was 40 mg/mL and Bordetella bronchiseptica and Bacillus anthracis was 10 mg/mL. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Bacillus anthracis was 10 mg/mL while against other species were not found (>200 mg/mL). The methanolic extract had also synergistic effect with methicillin, vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus and with novobiocin against Salmonella typhi. Conclusions These results suggest that this plant contains relatively good antibacterial activity and it can be used as a source of antiseptic compounds for medicinal uses.