Highest Mean Zone Of Inhibition Research Articles

Assessment of Antibacterial Effectiveness of SDF and Fluoride Varnish Agents for Application in Pediatric Dentistry

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish treatment against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus Materials and Methods: The antibacterial effectiveness of SDF (group A) and fluoride varnish (group B) against S. mutans was investigated in an in vitro microbiological investigation, with distilled water (group C) serving as the positive and negative controls. After 24 hours of incubation, the antibacterial efficiency was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique, and the diameter of the zones of inhibition (ZOI) was quantified. Sumba mare’s milk from MRS broth was extracted and then placed into a test tube. L. acidophilus was grown on Sumba mare’s milk from MRS broth. On this media, each testing agent was poured and tested for the inhibitory zone. The obtained data was statistically analyzed. Results: SDF group had a higher mean zone of inhibition against S. mutans and Lactobacillus followed by fluoride varnish, and there was no ZOI in the case of distilled water. Intergroup comparison was significant Conclusion: When compared to fluoride varnish, the SDF teeth remineralizing agent had greater antibacterial activity against S. mutans.

Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Triple Antibiotic-Loaded Hydrogel Versus Modified Triple Antibiotic-Loaded Hydrogel as Intracanal Medicament Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In vitro Study.

Triple antibiotic paste (TAP) is known to have an essential role in the success of endodontic treatment by eliminating pathogens from the root canal system. Unfortunately, it causes discolouration and cytotoxicity at high concentrations. The objective of this research was to assess and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of various concentrations (1 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg) of TAP, TAP hydrogel (TAPH), M-TAP, and M-TAP hydrogel (MTAPH) against Enterococcus faecalis. The agar well diffusion method was used to assess the antibiotic sensitivity of the following intracanal medicaments: TAP (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) mixed in a ratio of 1: 1: 1; TAPH, M-TAP (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin), M-TAPH and plain hydrogel. Each tested medicament was individually evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. Structural and topographical characterisation were analysed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and interpreted using ImageJ software. A microdilution broth test was performed to examine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of M-TAP and TAP. Except for the plain hydrogel, M-TAP and hydrogel and TAP and hydrogel showed significantly varied inhibitory zones at different concentrations. M-TAPH showed the highest mean zone of inhibition of 21.6, 33.33 and 38.0 mm at a concentration of 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL when compared to TAPH, which showed a mean zone of inhibition of 3.3 mm,12.3 mm, 21.3 mm at the respective concentrations. The MIC study shows that more than 75% of Enterococcus faecalis growth was inhibited by M-TAP at a concentration of 5 μg/mL, whereas TAP showed inhibition at a concentration of 35 μg/mL. MBC results indicate that almost 99.9% of the bacterial population was killed at a concentration of 100 μg/mL (10-1) for TAP and 10 μg/mL (10-2) for M-TAP. The antibacterial efficacy of M-TAP was significantly higher than TAP. Application of M-TAP at lower doses is advised to overcome the disadvantages seen with TAP.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacies of Pteropyum scoparium (Jaub. & Spach) Sidaf crude extracts

ObjectivePteropyrum scoparium Jaub. & Spach locally known as “Sidaf” is a meal known to the ancient Omani people with many health benefits. It is traditionally used in Oman to treat high cholesterol, hypertension, indigestion problems, wound healing, and diabetes. However, these claims are yet to be scientifically proven. Hence, this study aimed to perform phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial analysis of P. scoparium leaves aqueous and alcoholic extracts to confirm its medicinal potential. MethodsA detailed phytochemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves was carried out to confirm the presence of bioactive substances. DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), agar-well diffusion and disc diffusion methods were used to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, respectively. The extracts were tested against four microorganisms viz. E. coli (ATCC 25922), S. aureus (ATCC 23235), Penicillium sp. (ATCC 11597) and Rhizopus stolonifer (ATCC 14037). ResultsThe ethanol extract exhibited higher DPPH scavenging activity than aqueous extract that was confirmed with IC50 values of both extracts. However, the aqueous extract was found to be significantly more effective as an antimicrobial agent than the ethanol extract. This could be due to higher coumarins content that is thrice as much as in ethanol extract. One-way repeated measure RM ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the antimicrobial susceptibility of all four organisms for the aqueous and ethanol well diffusion extracts (DF = 7; SS = 56.350, MS = 8.050; F = 5.865; P < 0.001). The highest mean zone of inhibition was recorded for S. aureus (12 ± 3.851 mm) well diffusion aqueous extract followed by R. stolonifer (11.750 ± 4.250 mm) well diffusion aqueous extract, and S. aureus (10.625 ± 3.771 mm) well diffusion ethanol extract. ConclusionsPhytochemical screening of ethanol and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, amino acid, fats & fixed oils, phenolic compounds & tannins, proteins, phytosterols, saponins, gum & mucilage, terpenoids, coumarins and anthocyanins. The findings from this study will be useful in evaluating the phytochemical constituents present in the extract and developing commercial drugs as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents based on this plant.

Antibacterial and phytochemical analysis of traditional medicinal plants: An alternative therapeutic Approach to conventional antibiotics

The purpose of this study was to carry out antibacterial and phytochemical analyses on six selected medicinal plants that have been traditionally used by the local people to treat and control different diseases. The antibacterial activities of methanolic extracts of these plants were assessed using the Agar well diffusion and Microtiter broth dilution methods. The root extract of Andrachne aspera showed significantly (p < 0.05) highest mean zone of inhibition at concentrations of 100 mg/ml (33 ± 0.17) and 200 mg/ml (33.5 ± 0.84) against S. epidermidis. The second highest mean zone of inhibition (24.8 ± 0.41) was recorded by Dichrostachys cinerea leaf extract against S. epidermidis at 200 mg/ml concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentrations 1.0 ± 0.0 was recorded by Andrachne aspera against E. faecalis and 2.0 ± 0.0 against S. aureus by Dichrostachys cinerea. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that Andrachne aspera and Dichrostachys cinerea contained strong concentration of Polyphenols and Flavonoids. Therefore, these two medicinal plant species have promising potential for further detailed investigations, including safety tests, characterization and isolation of bioactive secondary metabolites for the development of alternative drugs.

Phytochemical and antibacterial studies of methanolic extract and fractions of &lt;i&gt;Guiera senegalensis&lt;/i&gt; leaves

The aim of the research study was to carry out phytochemical and antibacterial studies of methanolic leaves extract and its fractions of Guiera senegalensis. The plant material was collected, identified, shed dried and pulverized to fine powder using pestle and mortar. The powdered plant material was subjected to maceration using methanol to obtained crude methanol leaf extract which was then partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The extract and the fractions obtained were subjected to phytochemical screening using standard procedure, to detect the presence of secondary metabolites. The antibacterial assay of the extract and its fractions against S. aureus, B. subtilus, P.mirabilis and S. typhyrium were investigated using agar well diffusion method at different concentration (100 – 12.5 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites which varies in the extract and fractions. The extract and its fractions showed significant (p&lt; 0.05) antibacterial activities against all the test isolates with the methanol extract having the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 2.00±1.00d-24.00±1.00* mm then followed by ethyl acetate fraction with the mean zone of inhibitions from 4.00±1.00d-22.00±1.00* mm the n-butanol fraction and the chloroform fraction had mean zone from 4.00±1.00d-18.50±1.00* mm and 4.00±1.00d-17.60±1.00d mm respectively while n-hexane fraction recorded lower mean zone of inhibition from 4.00±1.00a-15.00±1.00* The standard drug Ciprofloxacin had mean zone of inhibition from 16.20±0.00-39.0±0.00 mm. The most sensitive organism was S. aureus, while the least sensitive organism was S. typhyrium. The study has validated the ethnomedicinal claim for the use of this plant in treatment of antibacterial infections.

Inhibitory Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Aflatoxin B1 Producing Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Garri

Among the potential benefits of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is their practical use for biopreservation of foods, fungal decontamination, and novel biotherapy. A number of ready to eat foods hawked in streets of Nigeria such as garri are prone to contamination by mycotoxin-producing fungi. In this study the inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (sourced from local foods (nono and kunun- zaki)) and their bacteriocins-derivatives on aflatoxin B1 -producing Aspergelius flavus was conducted. Out of the five LAB isolates screened three (two strains of Lactococcus and one of Pediococcus sp had high indices of probiotic potentials and bacteriocins extracts were obtained from them and used for the inhibition study. Fourty samples of garri sold in Jos metropolis were screened for A. flavus and their abilities to produce Aflatoxin B1 using the Coconut Extract Agar (CEA) and Ammonia Vapour Test (AVP) methods. The three most probiotic LAB and their respective crude baterioncin extracts were used to test for their inhibitory effect on aflatoxin producing A. flavus isolates. The results of the study showed that while only 17 samples (42.50%) had A. flavus in them, only three of the fungi ((17.65%) demonstrated capacity to produce Aflatoxin B1, making (7.5% of the total number of garri samples that had aflatoxin-producing A. flavus. The inhibition of fungal growth by LAB and bacteriocins was dose dependent. At an inoculum concentration of 1 ml, Pediococcus sp had the highest mean zone of inhibition of 43.0 mm followed by Lactococcus sp (Strain LAC20G with radial diameter 38.0mm and Lactococcus sp (LAC20G) which had a radial diameter of 29.3mm respectively. The results of the study portend that the growth of aflatoxin producing Aspergillus flavus in ready to eat foods such as garri could be prevented by application of appropriate dosages of bacteriocins extracts from lactic acid bacteria.

Anti-bacterial Efficacy of Probiotics used in Provisional Polymethyl Methacrylate Crowns against Porphyromonos gingivalis – an In vitro Study

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Probiotic used in PMMA Temporary restorations on gingival inflammatory response by its action on the marginal gingival epithelial cells.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is an in vitro Interventional pilot study using discs of PMMA ( Group A ) and PMMA incorporated with Probiotics (Group B . The effect of probiotics incorporated PMMA on strains of Porphyromonos gingivalis grown on culture plates will be assessed using zone of inhibition test and minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed . Data was recorded, tabulated and statistically evaluated using SPSS software.&#x0D; Results: The zone of Inhibition in the Group B was (Mean = 16.30mm) is comparatively higher than that of Group A with mean value 12.92mm. Results states that among the various concentration of Probiotic Lozenges (2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 µg/ml) used to determine the antibacterial activity , Highest mean zone of inhibition was observed with 20 µg/ml with 16 mm, followed by 15 µg/ml with 14mm , 10 µg/ml with 9mm, 5 µg/ml with 11 mm &amp; with the lowest inhibition observed in 2.5 µg/ml with 8mm. There is significant correlation between concentration of probiotics and its antibacterial efficacy. The increase in concentration of probiotics in the PMMA discs is directly proportional to its antibacterial efficacy against P. gingivalis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus the study proved a significant correlation between Probiotic used in PMMA Temporary crowns and reduction in gingival Inflammation at the margins of the restoration which will be beneficial when used in crowns used in patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment or Immediate Implant Loading with acrylic crowns.

Inhibitory Potential of Eucheuma denticulatum (N.L.Burman) F.S. Collins &amp; Hervey Against Selected Foodborne Pathogens

Seaweed is reported to have antimicrobial properties that can possibly prevent the food from microbial invasion and spoilage. Eucheuma denticulatum (N.L.Burman) F.S. Collins &amp; Hervey is a very abundant seaweed in Leyte province, wherein it is a common part of the human diet. The common problem in food handling, especially street food, is the fast rate of spoilage due to improper handling and packaging. One way of preventing the incidence of food infection and intoxication due to improper packaging of food is the use of packaging material that can inhibit microbial growth. The study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial potential of E denticulatum against common food pathogens. Six pathogenic bacteria – namely, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli O157:H7 – plus a yeast (Candida albicans) and a mold (Aspergillus flavus) were used as test organisms of the study. Agar well diffusion assay was used to test the inhibitory potential of E denticulatum extract against the selected pathogens. The ethanolic extract exhibited inhibitory potential against the test microorganisms except for Gram- positive bacteria B cereus and S aureus. The extract is more effective against Gram-negative bacteria S typhi and E coli. C albicans exhibited the highest mean zone of inhibition of 16.11 mm at 75% extract concentration, and A flavus has the least zone of inhibition of 2.78 mm. The observed inhibitory action of the ethanolic extract is a promising indication that E denticulatum is a potential source of bioactive compounds that can be used as a natural food preservative.

Antibacterial Effect of Nymphaea lotus (Linn) Extracts on Enteric Bacteria Isolated from River Ogbese, Nigeria

The increase in multidrug resistance pathogenic bacteria and decrease in efficiency of existing antibiotics is a serious global health concern which call for development of new alternative medicine and continuous research for new classes of antimicrobial agents that can be effective in destroying these multidrug resistant pathogens without or with minimal side effect and at an affordable cost. N. lotus has been reported to possess some amount of phytochemicals such as phenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, proanthocyanidins and flavanols which may serve as an effective antimicrobial agent. This study was aimed at determining the antibacterial effect of Nymphaea lotus (Linn) extracts on enteric bacteria isolated from River Ogbese, Nigeria. Water samples were collected every week for a period of sixteen (16) weeks aseptically and transported to the laboratory for microbiological and physicochemical examinations; enteric bacteria were isolated from the water samples using membrane filtration method. Bioactive components of N. lotus were extracted using Ethanol, water and N-Hexane solvents. In-vitro antibacterial effect of N. lotus extracts was assayed using agar well diffusion technique. Results showed Shigella and faecal coliforms had the highest occurrence in the water samples at (30.19%) followed by Salmonella (20.76%) and Escherichia coli (18.87%). Physicochemical characteristics of water samples from River Ogbese showed that water temperature ranged from 22.00 to 28.10 ℃, turbidity ranged from 2.00 to 33.80 NTU and phosphate ranged from 5.45 to 68.57 mg/L respectively. Whilst the isolates had the highest total percentage resistance to Augmentin at 20.03 %, ethanol extract of N. lotus exhibited the highest mean zone of inhibition of 24.67±0.67 mm against the isolates at 100 mg/mL respectively. The findings from this study suggest N. lotus extracts to be effective in the treatment of enteric infections that may occur as a result of consumption or contact with faecal impacted water.

Antibacterial activity of Jania rubens from Gulf of Mannar, south coast of India

Seaweeds are primarily explored for pharmaceutical and functional applications. This is due to the bioactive properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, anticancer and antilipidemic beneficial for such industries. Most of the countries surrounded by coastal regions have indicated a growth of research on seaweeds to utilize them in drug development. The present study was conducted to investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Jania rubens against bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus vulgaris. It is a slender, rose pink, articulated, calcified fronds, in ordered bunches to 50 mm high. Epiphytic, only found growing epiphytically on older plants of the brown algae. The antibacterial activity was analysed by the agar disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract of J. rubens was separated based on activity directed fractionation to isolate the principle bioactive compound. The fraction was purified under Thin layer chromatography and characterized by Gas chromatography and Mass spectrometry. The mean zone of inhibition produced by the ethanol extract in disc diffusion assay against bacterial strains ranged from 9.0 to 26 mm. The highest mean zone of inhibition (26.00±0.56 mm) was observed against E. faecalis. The extract was further separated using Water, n-hexane and Ethanol. The fraction showed the antibacterial activity was characterized as 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-(1-methyl-2-2imidazolyl)-1H-benzimidazole predominantly by GC-MS.

Antifungal activity of Ventilago maderspatana on Trichophyton rubrum - An in vitro study

The aim of the study was to contribute a single drug for specific dermatophyte species to encourage diagnosis specific treatment. The study had two arms one clinical part consisting of cross-sectional study of 80 participants and other part invitro study. The survey was conducted to know the prevalence of dermatophyte species among cutaneous dermatophytosis patients in Kottakkal population there by collecting the skin scrapings of the patients. As the second part of the study these skin scrapings were cultured in sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and the species were inoculated from their and identified. Thus from 80 participants 2-genus and 6 different species were obtained. Trichophyton and microsporum were the genus and among Trichophyton 4 species like T.rubrum, T.mentagrophytes, T.tonsurans and T.verrucossum and Microsporum genus consists of M.canis and Microsporumaudouinii. First MIC was calculated and after that antifungal activity was done through the agar well diffusion method using ventilago maderaspattana extracts against fluconazole. Three different extracts were used chloroform, methanol and ethanol. In this article the action of easily available low polarity chloroform extract against the most prevalent species T. rubrum is highlighted because it shows the highest mean zone of inhibition in agar well diffusion method.

Phytochemical Screening and Antifungal Activities of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn.) Leaves Extract on Some Fungal Isolates

Introduction: The study on qualitative phytochemical screening and antifungal activities was evaluated on Cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn.) leaf extracts using standard procedures.&#x0D; Objectives: With the view of evaluating its secondary metabolites and also assessing it’s antifungal activities.&#x0D; Methodology: The antifungal activities of the leaves extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were carried out using agar incorporation method at varying concentrations (20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, 60 mg/mL, 80 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL). The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested against Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer (isolated from street vended sliced fruits).&#x0D; Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that A. occidentale leaf extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) contained; Tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, Glycosides, Saponins glycosides, Saponins, Steroids and Volatile oils with the exceptions of Anthraquines and Balsams. The result shows that aqueous extracts has no significant inhibitory activity when compared to the ethanolic extracts against A. niger (p =0.05). The highest mean zone of inhibition (38.00± 5.00 mm) was observed at 100 mg/mL concentration of the aqueous extract and the lowest mean zone of inhibition (12.67± 2.51 mm) was observed at 20 mg/mL concentration of the ethanol extracts against A. niger while R. stolonifer were highly resistant to both extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract (MIC) was observed at 20 mg/mL for both extracts.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus, the study showed that A. occidentale could be a possible source of obtaining new and effective drugs.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq.: a traditionally used medicinal plant in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn an attempt to explore the scientific basis for the pharmacological benefits the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ipomoea mauritiana whole plant methanol extract were assessed.MethodsThe total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using standard method while antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging activity method. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method and compared with standard kanamycin (30 μg/disc).ResultsThe results revealed that I. mauritiana extract contains tannin, saponin, terpenoids, alkaloid and flavonoids. In DPPH, ascorbic acid and extract showed highest scavenging activity and it was 90.96% at concentration 800 μg/mL and I. mauritiana methanol extract showed 72.28% at a concentration of 800 μg/mL. The extract was able to reduce the stable free radical DPPH with an IC50 of 275.084 μg/mL while that of ascorbic acid was 230.09 μg/mL. Total phenolic constituent of the extract was 59.302 ± 3.289 mg/g as gallic acid equivalent. The flavonoid content of methanolic extract of I. mauritiana was 27.212 mg of QE/g. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of I. mauritiana showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The extract and standard showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 13 to 19 mm and 37 to 42 mm, respectively at a concentration of 400 μg /disc and against the gram positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus-19.25 mm) showed highest zone of inhibition.ConclusionsThe results indicate that I. mauritiana possesses considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Isolation, characterization, and screening of actinomycetes producing bioactive compounds from Egyptian soil

Background Unsuitable prescription and the inappropriate use of antibiotics have led to the development of antibiotic resistance in many pathogenic bacteria. So, there is a need to screen for alternative sources, such as actinomycetes, a potent antibiotic producer for antimicrobial activity, with the hope of discovering novel strains proficient to produce antibiotics against the resistant bacteria. Materials and methods In the current work, six actinomycetes were isolated from Egyptian soil, characterized, and then identified by microscopic and macroscopic observations. The bioactive substances were extracted by the solvent extraction method using ethyl acetate. Antimicrobial activity of the obtained extracts was evaluated against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and cytotoxic activity of the most active extracts were carried out. Results and conclusion Crude extract of A2 showed 30±0.10-mm mean inhibition zones against gram-positive bacteria Bacillus megaterium. Significantly, the isolate A6 showed the highest mean zone of inhibition of 20.0±0.1, 19.4±0.05, and 19.0±0.10 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli, respectively. The isolate A5 only showed the largest antibacterial activity against B. megaterium, with inhibition zone of 69±0.28 mm. Only two isolates (A2 and A6) were chosen for further study based on broad-spectrum activity in comparison with other isolates. The two isolates A2 and A6 were identified as Streptomyces enissocaesilis MT658130 and Streptomyces atrovirens MT658195, respectively, using 16S rRNA. Fourier-transform infrared analysis of the extract of two strains reported the existence of OH, C=C, C-O, S=O, N=C=S, and C-Br as the most efficient groups. Cytotoxic activity of S. enissocaesilis A2 and S. atrovirens A6 extracts against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line showed good cytotoxicity, with 2.97 and 1.48 µg/ml IC50 value, respectively. The results evoked that actinomycete isolates under study have potent biological activities.

Comparative Bacteriocidal Effect of Utazi (Gongronema Latifolium) and Onugbu (Vernonia Amygdalina) on Gram Negative Bacteria Isolated From Clinical Specimens at Specialist Hospital Owerri, Nigeria

The lowered immunity of patients with chronic kidney diseases and the increased bacterial resistance to a control antibiotic have given rise to the need to research and offer reliable evidences for the therapeutic values of the leafy vegetables like Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf) and Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) in treating urinary tract infections caused by Gram negative bacteria. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) midstream urine samples were aseptically collected from patients suspected to develop renal diseases who attend the Specialist Hospital, Owerri into sterile, screw-capped universal containers and were inoculated onto CLED, EMB, Blood agar and MacConkey agar plates. These plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours to obtain pure colonies. Out of the one hundred and twenty-seven (127) urine samples, forty-three (33.86%) samples yielded no significant growth whereas eighty-four (66.14%) yielded significant bacterial growth. The predominant Gram negative isolate from the samples was Escherichia coli 35(41.67%), while the least isolated Gram negative organism was Proteus mirabilis9(10.71%). Other Gram negative isolates include Klebsiella pneumoniae 24(28.57%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 16(19.05%). Among the Gram negative isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest mean zone of inhibition; (8.28), with Escherichia coli having the least mean zone of inhibition; (4.45). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis; (6.75), respectively. Ciprofloxacin which was the control antibiotic had statistical significant difference (P&lt;0.05) on the Gram negative isolates when compared with the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plants. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis were completely resistant to the antimicrobial activity of Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract. At 50mg/mL, Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to be resistant while at 75-150 mg/mL concentrations, an insignificant mean zone of inhibition was noted. Generally, the ethanolic extracts sho

Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Susceptibility of Azardirachta indica against Some Strains of Candida albicans

This research work was focus on determining the quantitative phytochemical analysis and antifungal susceptibility of Azardirachta indica against some strains of Candida albicans. The leaves of Azardirachta indica was susccessively extracted using reflux method of extraction. Quantitative phytochemical screenings were done to determine the amounts of phytochemical that are present in the crude extracts. The result showed that the extract of Azardirachta indica (neem) possessed active principles which include: Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols and tannin which were present in the crude extracts. The antifungal activity of the extracts was assayed against three different strains (P37005, RM1000 &amp; SC5314) The antifungal susceptibility test of the crude extracts against the strains were determined at different concentrations of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml using the agar well diffusion method. The n- hexane and methanol crude extract showed inhibitory activity compared to that of ethyl acetate that had no inhibitory activity. The highest mean zone of inhibition (MZI) was 15.00±1.00 mm which was recorded for n-hexane leaf extract at a concentration of 100 mg/ml against strain RM1000 (isolate: S2). Although the standard antibiotics (Fluconazole) used in this study showed a much higher zone of inhibition than that of the n-hexane and methanol crude extract. The MIC and MFC value for n-hexane crude extracts were 12.5 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml respectively against strain P37005 (Isolate:S1)likewise, the n-hexane crude extract had a value of 6.25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml. However, the methanol crude extract showed a value of 6.25 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively against SC5314 (isolate:S3).

English

Hagenia abyssinica&nbsp;is an important medicinal plant that the traditional society relied on for generations as a traditional medicine for various types of worm infections.&nbsp;The tree is a multipurpose dioecious tree and can grow up to 20 m in length. This research work is designed to investigate the antibacterial activity of H. abyssinica oils extracted using three different kinds of solvent and from three different parts of the plant on two standard bacterial isolates obtained from Pasteur Institute located at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The solvents used to extract the oils are ethyl acetate, n-hexane and methanol. Accordingly, the antibacterial activity of all the oils were tested and the oil extracted using methanol from all parts of the plants was characterized by having a higher mean of zone of inhibition (which is 1.710 in centimeter diameter) as compared to the two other oils (n-hexane, which is 0910 and that of ethyl acetate, which is 0.842). The data obtained from this research work showed that the oils extracted from the different parts of the plant using the three different solvents exhibited a higher mean zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus (which is 1.279) than that of Escherichia coli (which is 1.029). In addition, oil extracted from root of the plant has a higher mean of zone of inhibition (which is 1.415) as compared to the leaf (which is 1.14) and bark (which is 0.908). Generally, oils extracted from root, leaf and bark of H. abyssinica&nbsp;have an antibacterial property even if they exhibit difference. &nbsp; Key words: Hagenia abyssinica, oil, solvents, antibacterial activity, zone of inhibition, S. aureus, E. coli. &nbsp

Potency of Trona on Fungi Associated with Tinea Capitis from Children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS)

Aim: The potency of trona against fungi associated with dermatophytes isolated from children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) local farming community was investigated.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and Department of Pharmacognosy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, between January 2017 and September 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: The samples were collected from errand children within UDUS, and the organisms were isolated and identified microscopically using standard methods. Elemental analysis of the two types of trona (red and white) was also determined using standard Analytical methods. The sensitivity test was carried out using agar well diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: In the two types of trona (red and white) Sodium was found to have the highest concentration of 9500 mg/kg and 8300 mg/kg, and the lowest was 0.15 and 0.10 mg/kg. Potassium was reported to have a concentration of 4400 mg/kg and 1800 mg/kg for the white and red trona respectively. Some of the organisms identified were Microsporum Canis, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes etc. Highest mean zone of inhibition of 20.7 and 23.3 mm was recorded for the red and white trona respectively. The least zone of inhibition recorded was 2.7 and 4.7 mm for the red and white trona respectively. Increased activity was recorded when the concentration of the trona was increased.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results revealed promising potentials of trona in the treatment of fungi associated with dermatophytoses. However, further studies should be done to determine the mechanism of action of trona on these organisms.

Antibacterial Activities of Five Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia against Some Human and Animal Pathogens.

Objective To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activities of five plant extracts which have been used as traditional medicines by local healers against three multidrug resistant bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results The highest mean zone of inhibition (4.66 mm) was recorded from methanol extract of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. at a concentration of 200 mg/ml against S. aureus, followed by Croton macrostachyus Del. (4.43 mm) at the same dose and solvent for the same bacterial species, while methanol and chloroform extracts of E. brucei Schwein. did not inhibit growth of any bacterial species. The lowest value (100 μg/ml) of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed from both methanol and chloroform extracts of C. aurea (Ait.) Benth. against all the three bacteria. The results of the positive control had no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) when compared with crude extracts of C. aurea (Ait.) Benth. at concentration of 200 mg/ml against S. aureus. Conclusion The results of the present study support the traditional uses of these medicinal plants by the local healers. Except Erythrina brucei Schwein., all the plants investigated in this study exhibited antibacterial activities against the test bacterial species. Further researches are needed to be conducted to evaluate efficacy of these medicinal plant species on other microbes in different agroecological settings and their safety levels as well as their phytochemical compositions.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Fungal-Derived Silver Nanoparticles against Enterococcus faecalis.

Background:The main objective of endodontic therapy is complete elimination and prevention of bacteria from the root canal system; however, it is difficult due to anatomical ramifications of root canal system and growing resistant microbes to available disinfectants. Therefore, to overcome this problem, newer antimicrobial agents have to be developed.Aims:The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of fungal-derived biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and Methods:Freshly prepared silver nanoparticles using the endophytic fungi Fusarium semitectum, characterized by different techniques were used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis by agar well diffusion method measuring the zone of inhibition using different concentrations of nanoparticles (AgNPs) (A [20 μl], B [40 μl], C [60 μl], D [80 μl], and E [100 μl]), F (0.2% chlorhexidine [CHX]), G (2% CHX), H (ampicillin), and I (distilled water) were used as control groups. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test was done.Results:AgNPs (100 ml) showed highest zone of inhibition 19.5 mm against E. faecalis. CHX (0.2%) 14.52 mm, CHX (2%) 20.02 mm, and ampicillin showed highest mean zone of inhibition 20.5 mm and distilled water showed no zone of inhibition. Results indicate no significant difference between E (100 μl), G (2% CHX), and H (ampicillin) (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:Biosynthesized AgNPs exhibit efficient antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and therefore can be used as root canal irrigant or intracanal medicament for root canal disinfection.