In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Helicteres Isora Extracts Against Gastrointestinal Pathogen

Abstract

The problem of drug resistance to human pathogenic bacteria and rising of infectious diseases has been reported from all over the world. This increasing preval- ence of multidrug resistant strains of microorganisms and reduced susceptibility to antibiotics raises an urgent need to search for new sources of antimicrobial agents. Human infections, particularly those involving the skin and mucosal surfaces constitute a serious problem, especially in tropical and subtropical developing countries. (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Salmonella sp. were observed to be the most frequent pathogens cause gastrointestinal infection. MRSA gained much attention in the past decade, as it is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. In this study, different extracts of Helicteres isora, was screened for the antimicrobial activity against the multidrug resistant pathogens. Results are encouraging indicating the potential antibacterial activity against the test organisms and further validate the traditional use of H.isorain abdominal cramps and gastrointestinal infections.