Mean Diameter Of Zone Research Articles

Phytochemical profiling, antibacterial and antioxidant potential of different parts of invasive plant Sonchus wightianus DC

The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate the phytochemical characterisation, antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacies of methanol extracts of leaf, stem, and root parts of S. wightianus. The phytochemical characterisation by GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of different phytocompounds such as Lupenone (38.02% in leave extract), Leupeyl acetate (33.43% in root extract), 24- Noursa −3, 12- diene (27.16% stem extract). S. wightianus methanol extracts demonstrate IC50, 8.52 µg/ml, 7.72 µg/ml and 9.08 µg/ml using DPPH, FRAP and MCA scavenging assay, respectively. The antibacterial activity of different methanol extracts was evaluated against four microorganisms with a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 13 to 19 mm. For quantitative phytochemical analysis, the highest Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonol Content (TFC-2) were found for steam methanol extract (321.7 mg GAE/g of dry extract, 162.4 mg QE/g of dry extract respectively).

Antifungal effect of Aloe barbadensis Miller gel extract on Candida albicans: Development of an eco-friendly herbal antifungal finish on cotton fabric for medical application

The application of natural antimicrobial agents has garnered significant interest within the healthcare and medical textile industries because they are functionally active textiles that can inhibit the excessive proliferation of microorganisms. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal properties of Aloe barbadensis Miller ethanol extract to develop an eco-friendly A. barbadensis Miller ethanolic gel treated cotton fabric against vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. The antifungal activity of A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract against C. albicans was evaluated by the well diffusion method, and the highest concentration (5 mg/ml) showed a maximum mean zone diameter of 24.00 ± 1.00 mm. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded as 3.12 mg/ml by the broth macrodilution method. The cotton fabric (100% cotton) was treated with 4 mg/ml of A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract using the pad-dry-cure method. The treated fabric exhibited a clear zone of inhibition against C. albicans using the agar diffusion method. The wash durability test showed that treated cotton fabric retained antifungal activity up to 15 washing cycles with a fungal growth reduction rate of 15%. In conclusion, A. barbadensis Miller ethanol extract showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on C. albicans; furthermore, treated fabric also exhibited effective antifungal activity against vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans in vitro.

PO-04-065 THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE SIZING AND PERCUTANEOUS OCCLUSION GUIDANCE

Left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging is critical during percutaneous occlusion procedures. 3D-intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) features direct visualization of LAA from multiple cross-sectional planes at a time. To report procedural success of 3D-ICE-guided LAA occlusion and the correlation between pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraprocedural 3D-ICE for LAA sizing. Among 274 patients undergoing LAAO with a Watchman FLX, periprocedural ICE guidance was achieved via a commercially available 2D-ICE catheter (220 patients) or a novel (NUVISION™) 3D-ICE one (54 patients). Technical success was defined as successful device implantation without periprocedural evidence of leaks≥3mm on color Doppler. Procedural success was a composite of technical success plus absence of procedure- or device-related major complications. Primary endpoint was a composite of procedural success and LAA sealing at follow-up TEE. Secondary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural device recapture/resizing plus presence of leaks≥3mm at follow-up TEE. We also compared mean and maximum mean and maximum landing zone (LZ) diameters obtained from same patient’s TEE and 3D-ICE; these measurements were used to assess the degree of correlation and agreement between the two imaging techniques. Procedural success was achieved in all 274 patients; all final devices met release criteria. The agreement between 3D-ICE-based device selection and final device size was 96.3% versus 79.1% with 2D-ICE (p=0.005). No major procedure- and device-related adverse events were documented The incidence of the primary endpoint was 98.1% with 3D-ICE and 97.3% with 2D-ICE (p=0.99). 2D-ICE patients had a trend towards a higher incidence of periprocedural device recapture/redeployment (31.5% vs 44.5%; p=0.09). The secondary endpoint occurred in 31.5% of 3D-ICE patients versus 45.9% of 2D-ICE ones (p=0.065). 3D-ICE measurements of maximum and mean LZ correlated highly with preprocedural TEE reference values [Pearson’s: 0.94; p<0.001; bias: -0.06 (-2.39, 2.27)] (Figure 1). ICE-guided LAAO showed a very high success, with no major adverse events. A very high level of agreement for LAA sizing was found between pre-procedural TEE and periprocedural 3D-ICE. 3D-ICE performed significantly better than 2D-ICE for FLX size selection and may provide better guidance during device deployment.

The Antibacterial Effectiveness of Propolis on Medical Screws.

BackgroundMedical screws are widely used in orthopedic surgery for fracture fixation. The antibacterial effectiveness of propolis is well known. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the antibacterial effectiveness of medical screws coated with propolis.MethodologyBetween March 2019 and April 2020, we formed five experimental groups and investigated the antibacterial activities of different amounts of propolis and polymer-coated screws. Staphylococcus aureus was used to determine the antibacterial activity. Carbopol, chosen as the model polymer, was used to improve the adhesion of propolis to the screws. Agar diffusion test of surface-coated screws was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect.ResultsThe mean zone diameters were 24.3 ± 1.1, 23.0 ± 0.8, 21.8 ± 1.6, 19.3 ± 0.6, and 20.2 ± 0.8 mm for IS-7.5, IS-5.0, IS-2.5, IS-P, and IS-P-7.5, respectively. The IS-7.5 group had the most antibacterial activities. The antibacterial activities of the medical screws determined using the agar diffusion method were significantly increased by the propolis coating on the screws. Our results showed that the propolis-coated screws had antibacterial activity against S. aureus.ConclusionsAs a result, we believe that the combination of gel and propolis is an effective method in increasing the antibacterial resistance of medical screws and preventing the formation of a biofilm layer of microorganisms.

The dual impact of Jordanian Ephedra alte for inhibiting pepsin and treating microbial infections.

Screening of phytochemical Ephedra alte crude extract by GC–MS and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acid in the extract. The total phenolic content of E. alte methanol extract was 39.43 mg of Gallic acid eq/g, crude E. alte with 56.74, and 2.42 µg Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)/g of plant extract according to DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of E. alte against Staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiellaoxytoca demonstrated a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 0 to 17 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/mL. E. alte extract inhibits pepsin enzyme activity with IC50 values of 213.67 µg/ml. This study revealed that E. alte extract has pepsin enzyme inhibitory, antibacterial, antioxidant activities. The current outcomes indicate that E. alte might be employed as a natural agent for managing GERD and infectious diseases.

Impact of decalcification on antibacterial properties of eggshell against selected poultry pathogens

Background: Eggshell which is primarily composed of more than 98% calcium carbonate crystal, serves as the physical protective and active barrier structure of egg content. Recently, antimicrobial properties of eggshell are fast becoming center of interest among stakeholders of poultry industry. However, few studies have focused on the rigidity factor of calcium components of eggshell as antimicrobial agent. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effect of decalcification on the ability of eggshell to inhibit common poultry and egg bacterial pathogens.Methods: Raw eggshell denoted as calcified eggshell (CES) and decalcified eggshell (DES) were extracted and made into fine powder. Standard protocol was used for preparations of CES and DES at concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml, and their antibacterial assays on selected bacterial pathogens (Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhi) were performed by agar diffusion method. Gentamicin 80mg solution (CC1) and distilled water (CC2) served as controls. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20.0 and presented as mean±SD for descriptive statistics. Friedman's two-way test ANOVA was used to compare the differences in mean values between CES, DES, CC1 and CC2 at significance level of p&lt;0.05.Results: The mean zone diameter of inhibition produced by DES (range 13–28mm) for the isolates was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than that produced by CES (range 10-21mm). However, the mean zone diameter of inhibition produced by CC1 (gentamicin) (range 16-40mm) was higher than that produced by DES or CES (p&lt;0.05). The concentrations of DES and CES have no significant antibacterial effect on B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae (p&gt;0.05), but had inverse effect on P. aeruginosa. Overall, DES had a better inhibitory effect than CES against B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, but notably, neither DES nor CES had inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. Typhi.Conclusion: Poor antibacterial effect of CES may be attributed to the calcium-protein interactions within bacterial cell membrane, which hinders absorption or mobility mechanism of the antibacterial factor of the eggshell, but decalcification had significant impact on the antibacterial profile of the eggshell for some bacterial isolates. However, S. Typhi and E. coli were totally resistant to both DES and CES. Breed of eggs with minimal calcified eggshell to withstand transportation fragility, may enhance antibacterial index and shelf-life of table eggs.&#x0D; Keywords: Decalcification; Antibacterial; Eggshell; Poultry; Pathogens

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF ARROWROOT (Maranta arundinacea L.) METHANOLIC EXTRACT AGAINST Staphylococcus aureus BACTERIAL GROWTH

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a spherical gram-positive bacterium that forms clusters and is frequently resistant to antibiotics. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of S. aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam and cephalosporin groups of antibiotics, it is one of the biggest problems in resistant bacteria. Plants that have flavonoids in their extract can inhibit the growth of bacteria by impairing their cytoplasmic membrane. Arrowroot is an example of plants that have flavonoids in their extracts. Objectives: This research aims to determine the antimicrobial effect of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.) methanolic extract against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Methods: This is true experimental research with a post-test control group design with two control groups and eight experimental groups. The sample of this research utilizes the MRSA strain of S. aureus received from the Microbiology Laboratory of Diponegoro University Faculty of Medicine that was eligible with the inclusion criteria. The research was conducted by using arrowroot extract concentrations 6.5%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and inhibitory zone diameter. Results: MIC and MBC of arrowroot methanolic extract against MRSA is 100%. The arrowroot methanolic extract to have yielded an inhibitory zone diameter is 100% with a mean inhibitory zone diameter of 15.5mm. Conclusion: Arrowroot methanolic extract can inhibit the bacterial growth of MRSAKeywords: Staphylococcus aureus, growth, M. arundinacea L. methanolic extract

Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Different Essential Oils Obtained from Plants on Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Foods

Essential oils (EOs) are known for its antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. The present work evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 15 different EOs on survival of different strains of different Staphyloccocus aureus strains isolated from traditional cheeses by disc diffusion method. The most antimicrobial activity on the strains was found as oil thyme oil (mean zone diameter 23.203 mm). Clove oil and black seed oil had the highest antimicrobial activity after thyme oil with average zone diameters of 13.698 mm and 11.267 mm respectively. Hypericum perforatum L. oil (mean zone 6.209 mm), ginger oil (mean zone 6.250 mm) and garlic oil (mean zone 6.267 mm) were the lowest antimicrobial activity. New studies about antimicrobial effect of EOs in vivo conditions are recommended.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Himalayan Fraxinus micrantha Lingelsh leaf extract

The present investigation determines the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial potential of methanol extract of Himalayan Fraxinus micrantha (Lingelsh) leaves. Chemical analysis of extract revealed the presence of fifty five compounds. The extract was strongly characterised by tyrosol, esculetin, β-sitosterin, l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, (Z,Z)-6,9-cis-3,4-epoxy nonadecadiene as main components (62.6%). The F. micrantha extract presents IC50, 43.93 µg/ml and 68.90 µg/ml using DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assay, respectively. The antibacterial activity of F. micrantha was evaluated for five microorganisms showed that the extract had a remarkable inhibitory potential with a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 11 to 22 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 7.8 to 250 µg/ml and MBC value range 31.25 to 125 µg/ml. F. micrantha showed significant antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (22 mm, ZOI) with MIC and MBC values 7.8 and 31.25 µg/ml respectively.

In vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extracts

A study on the antibacterial activities of Bryophylum pinnatum against multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens was carried out in this research. Air-dried and powered Bryophylum pinnatum leaves was extracted using ethanol and aqueous solvents. Five bacteria strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and they were preliminarily identified using standard microbiological methods. Antibacterial activity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Mean zone diameter of inhibition in aqueous extract ranged from 9.20±0.17-10.50±0.50mm and 9.30±0.33- 10.33±0.89mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus respectively at 25-100mg/ml. In the ethanol extract, mean zone of inhibition ranged from 9.50±0.28-13.33±0.88mm and 10.67±0.67-19.00±0.58mm at concentration range of 6.25-100mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ethanol extract ranged from 6.25-100 mg/ml against bacterial strains. While those of aqueous extract ranged from 25-100 mg/ml against bacterial isolates. Minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations of ethanol extract ranged from 25-50 mg/ml. While in the aqueous extract, value was 50 mg/ml and against bacteria. The test bacterial pathogens were found to possess multiple drug resistance potential with multidrug resistance index ranging from 0.3 – 0.5. This study has shown that multidrug resistant clinical bacterial pathogens are sensitive to aqueous extract of Bryophyllum pinatum.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of 20% Punica granatum, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite used alone or in combinations against Enterococcus faecalis: An in-vitro study.

Objectives:The study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of 20% Punica granatum, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite used alone or in combinations against Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and Methods:Aqueous extract of pomegranate peel was prepared in the Pharmacology Departmental Laboratory. A total of 240 wells were prepared (40 for each group) with 5 wells per with a diameter of 6 mm and depth of 4 mm at equidistant from each other. Using a pipette, each well was filled with 50 μl of the test irrigant solution. CHX (0.2%), 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and aqueous extract of pomegranate peel and their combinations were tested as root canal irrigants against a standard strain of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) on sheep blood agar plate by calculating the zones of inhibition. The mean diameter of zones was calculated and tabulated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. Descriptive statistics was obtained using SPSS software (version 11.5) with P established at < 0.05.Results:Combination of Punica granatum with sodium hypochlorite and CHX showed maximum mean zones of inhibition with mean of 23.9 and 25.7 mm, respectively, and showed significantly better results than all other groups either irrigants used alone or in combinations.Conclusions:Punica granatum and CHX was proved to be a very good combination among experimental groups against E. faecalis, and sodium hypochlorite was least effective against E. Faecalis.

ANTI-PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA DRUG

Objectives: In this research we assess in-vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonasaeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using the ethanolic extract of medicinal plant Tabebuia impetiginosa(dried inner bark). To evaluate the synergistic effect of ethanolic extract of Tabebuia impetiginosacombine with ciprofloxacin In-vitro anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activities of the extracts andciprofloxacin were confirmed, and synergism was verified for this combine extracts. StudyDesign: Experimental study. Period: October 2016 to February 2017. Place of Experiment:Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore. Method: Diffusion method tests are mostly qualitativemethods that are used to identify the antimicrobial activity, resistance and synergistic effect. Thefresh plants inner bark was grinded and soaked in 95% ethanol for extraction. The antibacterialsensitivity of this compound against P. aeruginosa was assessed using the diffusion method.About 1000mg of grinded menstruum was added in 800ml of petroleum ether in a conicalflask and adjust in rotary shaker at 100 rpm for 12 hours and then the final extract was filteredwith 0.45mμ filter membrane and centrifuged at 2000rpm for 15 minutes. The final extract wasredissolved in ciprofloxacin solution (10 for bioassay analysis. Results: We concludedthat the fresh ethanolic extract of Tabebuia impetiginosa with ciprofloxacin has high antibacterialpotency against P. aeruginosa which is prominent then a single. However this was not pureextract and if it is refined then it might gives significant antibacterial activity at low concentration.There is still need to test Tabebuia impetiginosa extract for antibacterial activity and to checksynergistic effect with other drugs in-vivo against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extract presentedthe highest synergism rate with antimicrobial drug. Conclusion: In-vitro study showed Tabebuiaimpetiginosa fresh inner bark extract with ciprofloxacin dilution have significant antibacterialactivity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with P.value &lt;0.001. Isolates were susceptible tothis combine solution with mean zone diameter of 16.15 ± 0.95 mm and no regrowth wasnoticed. In the present research the synergistic effect of ciprofloxacin antibiotic with Tabebuiaimpetiginosa ethanolic extract were observe against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Plant Species in the Ussangoda and Yodhaganawa Serpentines.

Serpentine are the soils derived from ‘serpentinised’ (altered by hydration) ultramaffic rocks. These are poor in plant-essential nutrients, organic matter, water availability, etc., but, rich in Mg, Fe, and heavy metals Ni, Cr and Co. Serpentine flora may be assisted by various bioactivities beneficial for mankind. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of selected serpentine plant species from two serpentine sites in Sri Lanka: Ussangoda (in Hambantota District) and Yodhaganawa (inside Wasgomuwa National Park). Eleven (11) plant samples from 10 species were collected from the two serpentines for screening for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, and fungi (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Trichodermavirens). Plant materialsof 04 species were collected from both the serpentine and the neighboring non-serpentine soils in Ussangoda, for comparative analysis of the effect of substrate on the antimicrobial activity of these plants. Crude extracts were obtained by soaking dried, powdered leaf material in 1:1 mixture of Methanol: Dichloromethane for two weeks and subsequent concentrating. Samples re-dissolved in 10% DMSO in methanol were used in the Kirby- Bauer Antibiotic Disc Diffusion Assay and Micro-Titre Plate Based Resazurin Assay. Data obtained from the assays were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. When screened, 10 extracts (Azadirachta indica, Lantana camara, Toddalia asiatica, Eupatorium odoratum, Bauhinia racemonsa, Carissa spinarum, Garcinia spicata, Atalantia monophylla, Tarenna asiatica) showed activity against at least one test microorganism. The extract of Tarennaasiatica showed activity against all the test microorganisms. Sapindus saponaria extract did not show activity against any of the test organisms. When comparing, Azadirachta indica extract did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean diameter of the inhibition zone (±SD) between the serpentine site and the adjacent non-serpentine site for all the tested bacterial species. However, significantly higher (P<0.05) mean diameter of the inhibition zone (±SD) against E. coli was shown by the serpentine Lantana camara extract (13.3±1.1mm) compared with the non-serpentine plant extract(mean diameter of the inhibition zone 9.5±0.9mm). In contrast, non-serpentine extract of Eupatorium odoratum showed slightly higher activity than that of the serpentine plant extract against the same bacterial strain, with respective mean diameters (±SD) of inhibition zones being 10±0.9 mm and 8±0.8 mm. The results indicate that serpentine flora may have altered antimicrobial activities compared to the plants of the same species growing in non-serpentine soils, probably due to the influence of the serpentine substrate. Keywords: Serpentine, Ultramaffic, Plants, Bioactivities, Antimicrobial, Properties

Antifungal activity of curcumin-silver nanoparticles against fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida species.

Introduction:Candida species is the common form of opportunistic fungal infections, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. Fluconazole is the first-line therapy for candidiasis as it is affordable and readily available. However, the antifungal resistance pattern in high-risk patients is a major concern.Aim:The objective of the present study was to assess the anticandidal activity of curcumin-silver nanoparticles (C-Ag-NPs) against fluconazole-resistant Candida species isolated from HIV patients.Materials and Methods:Ten milliliters of 0.1 M silver nitrate (AgNO3) and 3 ml curcumin solution was heated in a water bath for 1 h at 60°C. The formation of the Ag-NPs was determined by color change from light yellow to brownish. The solution was centrifuged at 9000 rpm for 15 min and was washed with ethanol and later lyophilized for 24 h to obtain the purified curcumin-Ag-NPs (C-Ag-NPs). A stock of 1 mg/ml of C-Ag-NPs was prepared in deionized water. The agar diffusion test and broth dilution tests were conducted to determine the anticandidal activity of C-Ag-NPs.Results:C-Ag-NPs showed a better antifungal activity compared to curcumin and AgNO3 solution. Candida glabrata and Candida albicans were the most inhibited and Candida tropicalis was the least inhibited species. The mean zone diameter was 22.2 ± 0.8 mm, 20.1 ± 0.8 mm, and 16.4 ± 0.7 mm against C. glabrata, C. albicans and C. tropicalis respectively. Other Candida species under the study were also inhibited. Inhibitory activity was dose dependent and it increased with concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration values for different Candida species ranged from 31.2 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml.Conclusion:This is the first report on the antifungal activity of C-Ag-NPs against fluconazole-resistant Candida isolates. C-Ag-NPs can be explored further to identify a potential drug candidate that can be used for the treatment of candidiasis due to fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida species.

English

Recent research has focused on natural plant products as alternative for disease control in both developed and developing countries. Medicinal plants can be a possible source for new potent antimicrobial agents to which pathogenic strains are not resistant. The present study was carried out to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of 14 plant species namely; Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Cassia ocidentalis, Citrus sinensis, Euphorbia hirta, Mangifera indica, Myristica fragrans, Ocimium gratissimum, Piper guineese, Psidium guajava, Spermacoce verticilata, Vernonia amygdalina and Zingiber officinale and 3 antibiotic drugs namely; ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and streptomycin on Escherichia coli O157:H7 isolated from human clinical sample. The extracts of the plant species were prepared by cold percolation method using ethanol and water as solvents. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts of the different plant species were determined using standard methods. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity test of the plant extracts and that of antibiotic drugs at different concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 500 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli O157:H7 was also conducted. Phytochemical analyses of the plant species revealed the presence of bioactivity principle such as alkaloids, balsam, cardiac glucoside, flavonoids, phenols, resins, saponins, tannins, terpenes and steroids. The results showed that all the antimicrobial agents exhibited inhibitory effects against the growth of the bacterial isolate at various degrees. Among the plant species employed in the study, the ethanolic and water extracts of P. guajava showed the highest inhibitory effect against the bacterium with growth inhibition mean zone diameters of 29.9 and 26.0 mm respectively at 500 mg/ml. Following P. guagava in order of inhibitory effect against E. coli O157:H7 are ethanolic extracts A. sativum, Z. officinale, V. amygdalina and M. indica with mean zones of inhibition of 21.2, 20.8, 20.3 and 19.9 mm respectively at 500 mg/ml. The results also revealed that of the three antibiotic drugs used in the study, ciprofloxacin exhibited the highest inhibitory effect against the organism with zone of inhibition of 38.6 mm, followed by streptomycin 30.2 mm, while ampicilin had the least 22.3 mm. The MIC results reveal that some of the plant species showed similar inhibitory effect against the bacterium, while the MIC results of the rest of the plants varied from one another. The in vitro study of the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of the various plant species and that of the antibiotic drugs against E. coli O157:H7 has demonstrated that certain folk medicine can be as effective as modern medicine in combating pathogenic microorganisms. Key words: In vitro, antimicrobial activity, plant species and antibiotic drugs, Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Screening of Ethanol Extract of Hemidesmus indicus roots

Hemidesmus indicus belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae, and is one of the rare medicinal and aromatic plants of India. The Hemidesmus indicus recommended for the treatment of various diseases namely skin disease, liver impairment, leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis etc by tribal people. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Hemidesmus indicus root. The ethanol extract of Hemidesmus indicus root was prepared and phytochemical screening was performed. The findings indicate the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, polyphenol, saponins and terpenoids in extract. The antibacterial activity of various concentrations (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of ethanol extract was tested by disk diffusion method against E. coli, S. aureus, S. epidermis, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and S. flexneri. Zones of Inhibition produced by extract at various concentrations against selected strains were measured. The highest zones of growth inhibition were observed against B. subtilis compared to other microorganism. It produced a mean zone diameter of 23.5 mm at a dose of 100% on B. subtilis and lowest zone of growth inhibition was observed on S. epidermis, which gave a zone of inhibition measuring 9.8 mm.

Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Leaf Extracts of Ficus abutilifolia

Aims: To determine the antibacterial activities of leaf extract of Ficus abutilifolia against selected clinical bacterial isolates. Also, to analyse the extract for the constituent phytochemical compounds. Study Design: In vitro antimicrobial assay of solvent fractions of plant leaf extract against selected clinical bacterial isolates. Place and Duration of Study: Chemistry and Microbiology Laboratories, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between February 2014 and February, 2015. Methodology: The disc diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of clinical bacterial isolates to fractions of leaf extract of Ficus abutilifolia. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined by the microdilution assay. The rate of killing of representative isolates as well as phytochemical profile of plant leaf extract were studied using standard methods. Results: F. abutilifolia exhibited broad spectrum antibacterial activity against all the tested bacterial isolates with mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 9.33±0.58 to 31.67±0.58 mm. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest antibacterial activity with mean zone diameter of inhibition against the tested bacterial isolates being 27.67±1.15 to 31.67±0.58 mm. The MIC of the fractions ranged from 0.0313 to 0.250 µg/ml which compared favourably with that of the reference drug, streptomycin with mean MIC of 0.125 to 0.250 µg/ml. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most potent fraction with mean MIC of 0.0313 to 0.0625 µg/ml. Phytochemical assay of leaf extract revealed the presence of tannins, anthraquinones, saponnins, flavonoids, alkaloids, reducing sugar, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates and phlobatannins. Conclusion: The significant antibacterial activities exhibited by the ethyl acetate and other fractions suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in the leaf extract of F. abutilifolia. The plant could be a good source of antibacterial agents which can be developed as a pharmaceutical product. This study also supports the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of several infectious ailments.

The antibacterial, phytochemicals and antioxidants evaluation of the root extracts of Hydnora africanaThunb. used as antidysenteric in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

BackgroundTo determine the anti-dysenteric, phytochemicals and antioxidative properties of the root extracts of Hydnora africana. The use of plants for the treatment of dysentery and other diseases in traditional medicine has increased on the basis of these rich traditional medicine systems. Series of pharmacological tests are recommended since the aetiology of many diseases may be due to more than one factor.MethodsThe agar well diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of bacterial strains to crude extracts of the plant. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microdilution test. The presence of phytochemicals and antioxidant was also assessed using standard methods.ResultsThe antimicrobial activity of H. africana against all the tested organisms demonstrated a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 0 to 25 mm. The MIC of the extracts ranged from 0.071 to 5.0 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity showed lower ferric reducing activities, moderate nitric oxide, moderate DPPH and higher ABTS scavenging activities of the plant. Phytochemical assay revealed the presence and equivalent quantity of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic acid in the extracts. The water and methanol extracts were also shown as the best solvents of extraction for the phytochemicals.ConclusionsThe methanol and acetone extracts of H. africana exhibited a significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, suggesting the presence of either good bioactive potency or the high concentration of the active principle in the extracts which may serve as a guide for selecting bio- medicinal substances of plant origin in antidysenteric drugs.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Phytoconstituents of the Aqueous Leaves Extract of Alchornea Cordifolia

Alchornea cordifolia Schum and Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant widely used in traditional medicines of Ghana for the treatment of skin and other infections. This study evaluated the antibacterial properties and phytoconstituents of the aqueous leaves extract of A. cordifolia with particular reference to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) of the aqueous leaves extract of the plant were evaluated against 32 clinical isolates of MRSA and controls by the microdilution technique in Iso-sensitest broth. Growth and time-kill curves were also carried out using spectroscopy at 490 nm and viable cell counts method. Mean diameter of zones of inhibition ranged 18-30 mm of the aqueous extract of the plant were found against MRSA. MIC and MBC values ranged 1.6-3.1 mg/ml and 6.5-12.5 mg/ml of the aqueous leaves extract of A. cordifolia were found against the 32 clinical isolates of MRSA with most of the strains having MIC value of 3.1 mg/ml and MBC value of 12.5 mg/ml. Growth and time-kill curves indicate bacteriostatic activity of the plant extract on MRSA. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed low concentrations of alkaloids and saponins but very high concentrations of tannins present in the leaves of the plant. From the results of the study, aqueous leaves extract of A. cordifolia may contain antibacterial compounds that justify its usage in traditional medicine.

English

Medicinal plants contain a variety of chemical substances with important therapeutic properties that can be utilized in the treatment of human diseases.&nbsp;Hydonora africana&nbsp;is used in folklore remedies for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, kidney and bladder complaints among other ailments; hence we assessed the&nbsp;in vitro&nbsp;antimicrobial activity of this plant against three bacterial species (Helicobacter pylori&nbsp;ATCC&nbsp;43526, Helicobacter pylori&nbsp;PE 252C, Staphylococcus aureus&nbsp;NCTC 6571&nbsp;and Aeromonas hydrophila&nbsp;ATCC 35654).&nbsp;The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of bacterial strains to crude extracts of the plant.&nbsp;The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the active crude extracts were determined by the microdilution test. Ciprofloxacin (0.0125 mg/mL) was used as positive control. The presence of phytochemicals was also assessed using standard methods. Results were analyzed statistically by the one-way ANOVA test.&nbsp;Hydnora africana&nbsp;demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all the organisms with a mean zone diameter of inhibition ranging from 0 to 22&nbsp;mm. The MIC50&nbsp;of the extracts ranged from 0.078 to 2.5 mg/mL and MBC ranged from 0.78 to 25 mg/mL. Phytochemical assay revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and steroids in the extracts. It is concluded that&nbsp;H. africana&nbsp;may contain compounds with therapeutic activity. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Hydnora africana,&nbsp;medicinal plant, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, phytochemicals.