Evaluation of the Antibacterial Potential of Various Plant Extracts Against Clinically Important Skin Infectious Bacterial Strains

Abstract

Background: At present, skin problems need to be addressed seriously. Antibiotic resistance development is very fast in skin infectious bacteria. For the prevention of all types of skin infections, natural plant extracts can provide suitable defense lines because they contain active compounds. Wrinkles, sunburn, itching, blackheads, whiteheads, and uneven tone of the skin are some of the issues related to skin. Extensive use of antibiotics for skin diseases is restricted due to the development of worse antibiotic resistance. Objective: In this study, the antibacterial potential of plant extracts was assessed against skin infectious bacteria to get an alternative cure for skin diseases. Methods: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were isolated from clinical samples and E.coli was used as a non-pathogenic control strain from the Jinnah University for Women strain repository. Their antibacterial activity was performed against eight plant extracts through a well diffusion method. Results: Among eight plant extracts, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sandalwood (Santalum album), Shahtara (Fumaria parviflora), Chirayata (Swertia chirayita), and commercially available mixed Citrus peel showed good inhibition of bacterial growth. Discussion: Natural sources such as fruits, herbs, minerals, leaves, flowers, roots, honey, and rose water are now becoming part of skin care and treatment products because they possess antimicrobial activities. Conclusion: Skin products with herbal ingredients are now evolving as suitable solutions to the existing skin problems.