Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Of Extract Research Articles

Antifungal and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Acetone Lichen Extracts against Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a commensal coloniser of the human gastrointestinal tract and an opportunistic pathogen, especially thanks to its capacity to form biofilms. This lifestyle is frequently involved in infections and increases the yeast resistance to antimicrobials and immune defenses. In this context, 38 lichen acetone extracts have been prepared and evaluated for their activity against C. albicans planktonic and sessile cells. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution method. Anti-biofilm activity was evaluated using tetrazolium salt (XTT) assay as the ability to inhibit the maturation phase (anti-maturation) or to eradicate a preformed 24 h old biofilm (anti-biofilm). While none of the extracts were active against planktonic cells, biofilm maturation was limited by 11 of the tested extracts. Seven extracts displayed both anti-maturation and anti-biofilm activities (half maximal inhibitory concentrations IC50_mat and IC50_biof ≤ 100 µg/mL); Evernia prunastri and Ramalina fastigiata were the most promising lichens (IC50_mat < 4 µg/mL and IC50_biof < 10 µg/mL). Chemical profiles of the active extracts performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been analyzed. Depsides, which were present in large amounts in the most active extracts, could be involved in anti-biofilm activities. This work confirmed that lichens represent a reservoir of compounds with anti-biofilm potential.

Efficacy of different extracts of propolis against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium: In vitro and in vivo study

Present study focussed on the antibacterial and antioxidative effect of honey bee propolis on typhoid causing bacteria i.e. Salmonella. Water, ethanol, methanol were used as solvents for making of extracts. Both Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were calculated for all the three extracts. MIC of ethanolic extract of propolis was 160 mg/ml. It was 200 mg/ml for methanolic and 220mg/ml for wa-ter extracts respectively. Moreover, time kill analysis results confirmed that there was a significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in log count of bacteria when treated with ethanolic extraxt of propolis (3.98±0.15 log cfu/mL) and methanolic (4.66±0.05log cfu/mL) extract of propolis as compared to Salmonella control (7.72±0.03 log cfu/mL) in in vitro experiments. For the in vivo studies, BALB/c mice was used as an murine model of typhoid. Levels of different liver marker enzymes and antioxidants like Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) were observed in infected and all the treated groups. By comparing the results, it was concluded that ethanolic extract of propolis showed maximum antimicrobial activity as compare to the rest two. So the results of present study encourages the potential of ethanolic extract of propolis as an alternative treatment for typhoid and its use in combination with standard antibiotics can also be explored.

"Rhetoric to Reality"- Efficacy of Punica Granatum Peel Extract on OralCandidiasis: An in vitro Study.

Global usage of synthetic drugs inadvertently has resulted in deleterious effects and antimicrobial resistance. Phytoextarcts with therapeutic properties appear to be appropriate substitutes for synthetic drugs. Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is a fruit rich in nutraceuticals and therapeutic properties that has lead to its widespread use as folk-medicine for treating innumerable diseases. To determine the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum peel extract against the oral Candida compared with clotrimazole. An in vitro study was carried out on 60 saliva samples collected from patients confirmed by clinical and mycological examination as oral candidiasis and subjected to culture on Saborauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The cultured Candida species were subjected to antifungal susceptibility test by agar well diffusion method. Punica granatum peel extract (Group-I), Ethanol (Group-II Negative control), Clotrimazole (Group-III-Positive control) were inoculated in wells and incubated. Zones of inhibitions were measured with a digital Vernier's callipers and subjected to statistical analysis. ANOVA (analysis of variance) was performed to compare inhibition zones and concentrations of all the three groups. Antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum group and Clotrimazole group were statistically significant with p-value <0.05. Additionally, with the increase in the concentration there was an increase in the inhibitory efficacy against Candida species. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of peel extract of Punica granatum approximated with that of the clotrimazole. The present research was just a venture to usual clinical approach. The results of the study reveal that MIC of peel extract of Punica granatum approximated with that of the clotrimazole. Hence, peel extract of Punica granatum may be used as a substitute for antifungal agents in clinical trials with standardization so as to minimize the deleterious effects for patient compliance.

Effects of Culture Conditions on Antimicrobial Activity of Ganoderma resinaceum (Agaricomycetes) Extracts.

Among many sources of natural bioactive substances, mushrooms constitute a huge and mostly unexplored group. Biologically active secondary metabolites of Ganoderma, a group of wood-degrading mushrooms, have recently been reviewed. Our previous study revealed the antimicrobial activity of extracts from G. resinaceum grown in submerged culture against phytopathogens. Different factors can influence the production of secondary metabolites, including nutritional factors. In this study we evaluated the influence of different culture conditions on the antimicrobial activity of extracts from liquid cultures of G. resinaceum, through use of a factorial design. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for extracts produced under different culture conditions were determined against Staphylococcus aureus and Xanthomonas vesicatoria. Based on the results of these assays, larger-scale cultures in malt extract broth supplemented with 20 g/L glucose and a 15-day incubation time should be performed in order to isolate from G. resinaceum antibiotic compound(s) that are potentially useful against S. aureus. In addition, pH 5 should be considered for the production of antimicrobial metabolites against X. vesicatoria from supernatant broths or extracts from G. resinaceum.

죽엽(솜대)의 항산화 성분 및 구강세균에 대한 항균 효과

본 연구에서는 죽엽(솜대)의 항산화 성분을 조사하고 구강질환 세균에 대한 죽엽 추출물의 항균 활성을 검토하였다. 죽엽의 일반성분은 탄수화물 76.26%, 조회분 10.61%, 조단백질 5.10%, 수분 6.30%, 조지방 1.73%였고, 비타민 A 및 E의 함량에 비하여 비타민 C 함량은 월등히 높게 나타났다. 유기산 중 citric acid 함량이 가장 많이 함유되어 있었고 다음으로 succinic acid, malic acid, acetic acid, formic acid 순으로 검출되었다. 총 폴리페놀 및 플라보노이드 함량은 각각 21.66 mg/g, 42.78 mg/g으로 나타났다. Streptococcus mutans에 대해 죽엽 추출물 0.04% 이상에서, Streptococcus sobrinus에 대해서는 0.16% 이상에서, Porphyromonas gingivalis와 Prevotella intermedia에 대해서는 0.02% 이상에서 강한 항균 활성이 인정되었다. S.mutans, S. sobrinus, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia는 죽엽추출물 0.32% 농도에서 각각 60시간까지 억제됨을 관찰할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구 결과는 죽엽 에탄올 추출물이 구강질환을 유발하는 세균에 대하여 우수한 항균작용을 나타내고 있으며, 따라서 죽엽이 구강질환 예방에 긍정적인 효과가 있을 것으로 생각한다.

Effect of Interaction of Methanol Leaf Extract of &lt;i&gt;Spondias mombin&lt;/i&gt; (Linn) and Amoxicillin on Some Diarrheagenic &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt;

Purpose: To study the effect of interaction between methanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin and amoxicillin on diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC). Methods: Cold methanol extraction of Spondias mombin leaf and its phytochemical screening were carried out. Isolated, characterized and identified strains of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) from watery stool, mucoid bloody stool and watery bloody stool of diarrheal patients, respectively, were confirmed and typed by conventional and molecular methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and ½ MIC at which the extract and amoxicillin interacted were determined. Results: Spondias mombin extract showed remarkable antibacterial activity at extract concentration of 50 - 200 mg/mL with a mean zone of inhibition (MZ) ≥ 11.1 and activity index (AI) of 0.8 - 1.1. MIC of 12.5 mg/mL was observed for both ETEC and EIEC while it was 6.25 mg/mL for EHEC. The extract showed synergistic interaction at various concentrations (50 – 200, 12.5 and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively) with amoxycillin against ETEC, EHEC and EIEC. Synergy across a wide range of concentrations compared favourably with the ½ MIC and MIC of both extract and amoxycillin for ETEC. The extract contained moderate levels of alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins, as well as a lot of saponins, and low levels of phenol. The activity of the extract of Spondias mombin compares well with that of amoxicillin with AI ≥ 1 in some cases. Conclusion: A synergistic interaction between the leaf extract of S. mombin and amoxicillin confirms the extract as potential antibacterial agent but further studies are required to ascertain this. Keywords: Diarrheagenic E. coli , Drug interaction, Spondias mombin , Amoxicillin, Time-kill, Activity index

Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Aloe vera on the Morphological and Physiological Properties of E. coli

Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Aloe vera on the Morphological and Physiological Properties of E. coli ________________________________________ Mahdi Kargaran 1 ; Ali Reza Moradabadi 1 ; Mohammad Arjomandzadegan 1, * ; Hossein Hosseini 1 ; Ghasem Habibi 1 ; Maryam Tayeboon 1 ; Hadi Karami 1 ; and Ahmad Akbari 1, * 1 Tuberculosis and Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, IR Iran *Corresponding Authors: Mohammad Arjomandzadegan, Tuberculosis and Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, IR Iran, E-mail: arjomandzadegan@arakmu.ac.ir; Ahmad Akbari, Tuberculosis and Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, IR Iran, E-mail: dr.akbari@arakmu.ac.ir. Abstract Background: Resistance to antibiotics is a growing worldwide problem. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has rendered some strains of bacteria resistant to antimicrobial drugs, making the treatment of infections much more difficult. However, many herbs and their derivatives are effective against drug resistant microbes. Objectives: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of an Aloe vera extract on the morphological and physiological properties of Escherichia coli. Patients and Methods: A clinical isolate of E. coli was obtained from a patient harboring a urinary tract infection (UTI), and was identified using biochemical and microbiological methods. Aqueous extracts of Aloe vera were prepared, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was determined for E. coli via the microdilution method. The bacterium, at a concentration of 1.5 × 108 cells/mL, was exposed to the MIC of the extract. Then, the morphology of the cells was studied using optical microscopy, and the physiological properties were studied using biochemical testing and differential culture media. Results: The MIC of the Aloe vera extract was 2.23 mg/mL, and was able to prevent the growth of E. coli. The morphological examination of the bacteria exposed to the extract at the MIC revealed that the cells were shrunken, the concentration was reduced, the number of coccobacilli was increased, and the staining property of this bacteria changed (P < 0.0001). In addition, the extract caused a 76% reduction in the bacterial cell number, in comparison to the control (P < 0.0001), and a change in the physiological properties and growth of the bacteria. Conclusions: This study showed that Aloe vera has antibacterial effects against E. coli, and can result in structural and physiological changes in this bacterium. Keywords: Morphological Changes; Physiological Changes; Aloe vera; E. coli

Antibacterial potency screening of Capparis zeylanica Linn.

Objective: To conduct the antibacterial potency and minimum inhibitory concentration of extracts (n-hexane, acetone, chloroform and methanol) obtained from the root, leaf and stem of Capparis zeylanica. Methods: The powdered leaf, root and stem samples were Soxhlet extracted sequentially in n-hexane, acetone, chloroform and methanol. Antibacterial potency was evaluated by following the agar diffusion method and amoxicillin disc was used as a control. Results: In vitro antibacterial activity against 12 bacteria was performed with crude extracts. Among them, all the bacteria showed the moderate activity but chloroform and methanolic extracts showed promising antibacterial potency against Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae (leaf > root > stem). This activity was evaluated using disc diffusion method with a standard antibiotic, 30 µg/disc of amoxicillin. Conclusions: Strong antibacterial potency of chloroform and methanolic extracts provides new antibacterial compounds.

In vitro Antifungal Activity of Cucumis melo on Candida albicans

Background:: With respect to the emergence of susceptibility of some fungi to antifungal agents, making use of medicinal plants is progressing. Objectives:: The aim of this study was to verify the anti-fungal characteristics of mature and immature Cucumis melo fruit on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods:: In this descriptive study, antifungal activity of aqueous, ethnolic and methanolic extracts of C. melo fruits were tested on C. albicans; also results were obtained by disc and well diffusion methods. Results:: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of mature C. melo fruit methanolic extract were 25 × 103 and 5 × 104 μg/mL, respectively. MIC and MFC of immature fruit methanolic extract was 25 × 103. For mature fruit ethanolic extract, MIC and MFC was 25 × 103 μg/mL and for immature C. melo fruit ethanolic extract MIC was 25 × 103 and MFC was 5 × 104 μg/mL. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results showed that hexadecanoic acid was present in all of the extracts. The maximum size of inhibition zone for mature and immature methanolic extact in the disc method was 12 mm and in well method were 15 and 17 mm, respectively. In the disc method, for mature and immature ethanolic extracts maximum size of inhibition zones were 35 and 36 mm and in the well method, maximum size of inhibition zones for mature and immature ethanolic extracts were 28 and 15 mm, respectively. Conclusions:: These results indicated that C. melo extracts contain compounds with therapeutic potential and anti-fungal characteristics against C. albicans.

Formulation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Herbal Cream Containing Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta indica Leaves and Aloe Vera Gel

The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of dried leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem), fresh gel of Aloe vera, combination of the two extracts and the creams formulated with these extracts were evaluated.The preliminary in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extracts at various concentrations and those of their creams were determined against some microorganisms using the agar cup plate method. The growth inhibition zones of the extracts on the microorganisms were noted. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also determined by agar dilution method. The physical properties of the creams formulated with these extracts were evaluated using standard procedures.Gram positive bacteria were more susceptible to Neem extract of which Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible with the lowest MIC value (2.5mg/ml). The fungal strain Candida albicans had the lowest MIC value (2.0mg/ml) for the Aloe vera gel extract. The MIC values (mg/ml) of Neem leaves against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger were 5.00, 5.00, 2.50, 10.00, 2.50, 5.00 respectively, while MIC of Aloe extract were 8.00, 8.00, 4.00, 8.00, 2.00, 4.00 respectively. Among the formulated creams, the formulation containing equal concentrations of the extracts (1:1) showed the highest antimicrobial activity, however the commercial brand Funbact A® had better antimicrobial activity. Most of the creams showed comparable physical properties.The study showed that the creams containing equal concentrations of the two ethanolic extracts have high potentials as topical antimicrobial agents especially against skin infections due to the tested Gram positive bacteria and Candida albicans.

In vitro antibacterial activity of Peganum harmala (L) extract to some fish pathogenic bacteria

This study was conducted to examine in vitro antibacterial potential from seed methanol extract of Peganum harmala (L) against some fish pathogenic bacteria including Lactococcus garvieae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia ruckeri and Pseuodomonas putida isolated from diseased rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The antibacterial activity of extracts was evaluated using disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). MICS were measured by serial dilution and the microplate assays. Results showed that the methanol extract of P. harmala was bactericidal for all test bacteria. The MICs of extract using serial dilution and microplate method were 0.6 mg mL -1 and 0.312 to 0.625 mg mL -1 against P. putida and 0.8 mg mL -1 and 0.625 to 1.25 mg mL -1 against L. garvieae, A. hydrophila, Y. ruckeri, respectively which was confirmed by MBC determination. Thus, the antibacterial activity of seed extract of P. harmala can be comparable as an alternative in the control of infectious by these microorganisms.

Phytochemical And Antimicrobial Characterization Of Rhododendron Anthopogon From High Nepalese Himalaya

Abstract The biological and chemical properties of the medicinally important high altitudinal plant Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don were assayed. Extracts at a concentration of 100 mg-ml-1 from leaves and flowers were collectively obtained by employing hot extraction method with different solvents. The antibacterial and antifungal properties were assayed against different clinical bacteria (two Gram+ and six Gram-) and six phytopathogenic fungi. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium were the most inhibited bacteria, while Fusarium eridiforme, a fungus, was highly inhibited. However, all the tested bacteria were resistant to n-hexane and chloroform extracts. Of all the extracts obtained, the ethyl acetate fraction, followed by the hot methanolic extract, was effective against all the pathogenic strains tested. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on bacteria ranged from 1.562 mg-ml” 1 to 25.0 mg-ml” 1, whereas MIC and MFC (minimum fungicidal concentration) values of n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions on fungi varied from 1.562 mg-ml-1 to 12.50 mg-ml-1, which are slightly higher than expected. The extracts showed no activity against Exserohilum turticum and Stenophylum sp. There was a highly significant difference in the zone of inhibition between different extract fractions and bacterial or fungal strains. A preliminary qualitative phyto-chemical assay revealed the presence of polyphenols, reducing compounds, quinones, sterol, triterpenes and fatty acids in leaves and flowers of the test plant. The observed antimicrobial effects are believed to be due to the presence of these compounds. The broad spectrum of activity of the extracts would apparently explain the widespread use of this plant for controlling human pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi that widely destroy crops in Nepal. This research reveals R. anthopogon to be a highly promising source of potent antimicrobial drugs that could be used to design therapeutic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Antiplasmid Potential of &lt;em&gt;Kalanchoe blossfeldiana&lt;/em&gt; Against Multidrug Resistance &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/em&gt;

This study concerned with the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various clinical cases in human which include (burn, wound and urine) that admitted to Emergency hospital and internal lab of teaching hospital in Erbil city. Forty isolates of P. aeruginosa from out of 120 samples were identified by using cultured, morphological and biochemical tests in addition to vitek machine. According to the resistance of the isolates to these antibiotics they showed variation in their resistance; the highest resistance was for penicillin G with 85% while the lowest resistance was for ceftizoxime with 40% and for others ranged between 42.5-82.5%. On the other hand the isolates P9, P16 and P30 were resist to all antibiotics under study. RCR was used to detect Exotoxin A (ETA) structural gene sequence. The result revealed that 82.5% of the isolates were positive for ETA gene. Methanolic and aqueous crude extract of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana were used as medicinal plant for curing agent for the reduction of antibiotic resistance genes of P. aeruginosa isolate P9, this was done through determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of this medicinal plant that used as curing agent which was 1800 µg/mL for aqueous extract and 1400 µg/mL for methanolic extract. The effect of MIC of methanolic extract on antibiotic resistance genes for isolate P9 showed reduction of the resistance from 44-100% while the effect of MIC of aqueous extract on antibiotic resistance genes for isolate P9 revealed decreasing of the resistance from 36-86%, respectively.

Introducing Urtica dioica, A Native Plant of Khuzestan, As an Antibacterial Medicinal Plant.

Urtica dioica is a flowering plant with long history of use in folk medicine and as a food source. This study examined in vitro antibacterial potential of alcoholic extracts of U. dioica. Hydroalcoholic extracts from aerial parts were prepared using aqueous solution of ethanol and methanol and their inhibitory effects against clinical isolates was examined by disc diffusion method at different doses. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) indexes were also investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was also performed to find structural changes of affected bacteria consequent to exposing with extracts. Both extracts were active against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli with respectively 16, 10, 18, and 14 mm (methanolic) and 11, 9, 17, and 16 mm (ethanolic) inhibition zone. The MIC of ethanolic extract against S. epidermidis and E. coli was respectively 10 and 40 mg/mL. The MIC of methanolic extract against S. aureus and S. epidermidis was 40 and 10 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC was found only for S. epidermidis (20 mg/mL). In SEM analysis the round shape of S. epidermidis was changed and irregular shapes were appeared, which suggest that the main target of these extracts was cell wall. Extracts of U. dioica showed significant antibacterial effect against some clinically important pathogenic bacteria. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that U. dioica is useful as antibacterial and bactericidal agent in treating infectious diseases.

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The Eugenia pyriformis Cambess. species, Myrtaceae, also known by the popular name as uvaia was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity. Broth microdilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against selected pathogenic strains of bacteria, and fungi. Checkerboard method was used to evaluate the synergistic interactions of E. pyriformis with Vancomycin and Fluconazole. The leaf and stem crude extract showed for Gram-positive strains MIC values of 125 and 250 &micro;g/ml and for leveduriform fungi MIC values ranging from 7.81 to 62.5 &micro;g/ml. Ethyl acetate, hydroalcoholic fractions, and leaf acetonic extract showed MIC values between 62.5 and 125 &micro;g/ml for Gram-positive strains. The ethyl acetate fraction and leaf acetonic extract showed MIC values ranging from 7.81 to 62.5 &micro;g/ml for leveduriform fungi; the stem acetonic extract MIC value was 62.5 &micro;g/ml against Gram-positive strains and MIC value of 7.81 &micro;g/ml for leveduriform fungi. The combination of E. pyriformis with Vancomycin and Fluconazole showed synergistic activity for strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis with fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) below of 0.5. The extracts and fractions of this medicinal plant were able to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in vitro. &nbsp; Key words: Eugenia pyriformis Cambess, antimicrobial activity, synergistic interaction. &nbsp

Antimicrobial potential of Pakistani medicinal plants against multi-drug resistance Staphylococcus aureus

Objective: To determine resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from different areas of Pakistan and to identify antimicrobial agents against multi-drug resistant S. aureus strains. Methods: A total of 67 samples (sewerage, nasal and milk) were collected from different farm areas of Pakistan to identify local strains of S. aureus. Sixteen out of 67 samples were positive for S. aureus. Only 6 out of 16 S. aureus strains showed resistance to antibiotics. Then the antibacterial effect of 29 medicinal plants was evaluated on these S. aureus isolates and a standard S. aureus strain ATCC 25923. The solvents used for the extraction of plants were acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide and methanol. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed using agar disc diffusion method. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentration of effective medicinal plant extracts was identified through micro-dilution method to find out their 50% inhibitory concentration. Results: Plant extracts of 5 medicinal plants (Psidium guajava, Nigella sativa, Piper nigrum, Valeriana jatamansi, and Cucurbita pepo) exhibited antibacterial activity against locally isolated multidrug resistant strains of S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of these extracts was ranged from 0.328 to 5.000 mg/mL. Conclusions: Plant extracts of Psidium guajava, Piper nigrum seed, Valeriana jatamansi, Cucurbita pepo and Nigella sativa showed significant in vitro antibacterial activity and thus, such findings may serve as valuable contribution in the treatment of infection and may contribute to the development of potential antimicrobial agents against multi drug resistant strains of S. aureus. Peer reviewer

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The discovery of antimicrobials from traditional medicinal plants is gaining importance. The objectives of this study were to determine the anti-candidal activity of young and mature leaves of Piper betle collected from dry and wet zones of Sri Lanka, leaves and roots of Vitex negundo and leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum and the determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Water and ethanolic extracts of plant material were tested against standard cultures of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. The MICs of active extracts were determined. Ethanolic extracts of young leaves of P. betle showed significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) anti-candidal activity against all Candida species bioassayed, while mature leaves showed less activity. MICs of ethanolic extract of young leaves of P. betle were within 0.64 - 3.2 mg/mL. There was no significant difference between the activity of leaves of P. betle collected from wet zone and dry zone (p &gt; 0.05). Water extracts of leaves of P. betle and water and ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of V. negundo and leaves of J. grandiflorum did not show a significant anti-candidal activity. Hence, young leaves of P. betle can be used as an anti-candidal agent since betel leaves are used in masticatory mixtures.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Candidiasis, Piper betle, young and mature leaves, MIC.

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In vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and ethanol leaf extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla and Pterocarpus lucens were investigated against six bacterial clinical isolates using the tube dilution and agar diffusion methods. Salmonella typhi was the most susceptible to methanol leaf extracts of E. heterophylla with a zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 24 mm for 12.5 to 100 mg/ml concentration. This was followed by Streptococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella species in that order with Proteus vulgaris not susceptible to the different test concentrations of both plant extracts. E. heterophylla had the least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/ml against E. coli and S. typhi while P. lucens extract MIC of 25.00 mg/ml was the least against S. typhi. Since there is an inverse relationship between MIC value and susceptibility of the clinical test isolates, the MIC values also shows that E. heterophylla methanol leaf extracts were more potent to the susceptible test organisms having lower MIC values than the corresponding ethanol leaf extract MIC value. E. heterophylla extract minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 25.00 mg/ml for the sensitive isolates except for methanol extract with 12.50 mg/ml against S. typhi and ethanol extract with 12.50 mg/ml against S. aureus. P. lucens extract MBC was 100.00 mg/ml for the sensitive test isolates except for ethanol leaf extracts with 50.00 mg/ml against S. typhi. The killing rate of E. heterophylla methanol leaf extract MBC shows that E. coli was most rapidly killed at a rate of 4.53 &times; 106 CFU/min with S. aureus as the least killed at a rate of 0.62 &times; 106 CFU/min. S. lactis and E. coli were the most rapidly killed by P. lucens leaf extract MBC at a rate of 1.90 &times; 106 CFU/min. The killing rate of the extracts showed a positive support in the potential use of these plants in curing some infections as done by the traditional herbal healers in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: In vitro, antibacteria, extract, inhibitory.In vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and ethanol leaf extracts of Euphorbia heterophylla and Pterocarpus lucens were investigated against six bacterial clinical isolates using the tube dilution and agar diffusion methods. Salmonella typhi was the most susceptible to methanol leaf extracts of E. heterophylla with a zone of inhibition ranging from 16 to 24 mm for 12.5 to 100 mg/ml concentration. This was followed by Streptococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella species in that order with Proteus vulgaris not susceptible to the different test concentrations of both plant extracts. E. heterophylla had the least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/ml against E. coli and S. typhi while P. lucens extract MIC of 25.00 mg/ml was the least against S. typhi. Since there is an inverse relationship between MIC value and susceptibility of the clinical test isolates, the MIC values also shows that E. heterophylla methanol leaf extracts were more potent to the susceptible test organisms having lower MIC values than the corresponding ethanol leaf extract MIC value. E. heterophylla extract minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 25.00 mg/ml for the sensitive isolates except for methanol extract with 12.50 mg/ml against S. typhi and ethanol extract with 12.50 mg/ml against S. aureus. P. lucens extract MBC was 100.00 mg/ml for the sensitive test isolates except for ethanol leaf extracts with 50.00 mg/ml against S. typhi. The killing rate of E. heterophylla methanol leaf extract MBC shows that E. coli was most rapidly killed at a rate of 4.53 &times; 106 CFU/min with S. aureus as the least killed at a rate of 0.62 &times; 106 CFU/min. S. lactis and E. coli were the most rapidly killed by P. lucens leaf extract MBC at a rate of 1.90 &times; 106 CFU/min. The killing rate of the extracts showed a positive support in the potential use of these plants in curing some infections as done by the traditional herbal healers in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: In vitro, antibacteria, extract, inhibitory.

English

There has been a steady rise in antibiotic resistance of bacteria and this urgently calls for the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. Honey possesses therapeutic potentials which includes antimicrobial activity. Although the antimicrobial activity of honey has been effectively established against an extensive spectrum of microorganisms, it differs depending on the type of honey. To date, not much extensive studies of the antibacterial properties of South African honeys on enteric microorganisms have been conducted. The objective of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of extracts of six different honeys with those of medical plants commonly used in South Africa. Using a broth dilution method, the antibacterial activity extracts of six South African honeys and medicinal plants against six enteric microorganisms viz- Enterobacter cloacae, Escheriachia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii isolated from geophagia samples and Aeromonas hydrophila and plesiomonas isolated both from stool and water samples using agar well diffusion method was done. Different concentrations of honey and plant extracts were tested against each type of microorganism. Briefly, two-fold dilutions of honey solutions were tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against each type of microorganism. Extracts from both South African honeys and medicinal plants showed zones of inhibition that ranged from 6.94 to 37.94 mm. The most susceptible bacteria were Escheriachia coli, Aeromonas hydrophila and Plesiomonas shigelloides . MIC and MBC values of extracts were found in the range of 0.625 to 5.000 mg/ml. Extracts of honey showed good antibacterial activity against most organisms than the standard antibiotics such as Ampicillin and Gentamycin. Honey extracts showed antibacterial activity against most microorganisms which were showing some degree of resistance to commercial antibiotics. Extracts from South African honeys and medicinal plants exhibited variable activities against different microorganisms. This result suggests that the honeys could potentially be used as an alternative therapeutic agent against certain microorganisms. Keywords: Agar well diffusion assay, honey, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol. 13(4), pp. 616-625, 22 January, 2014

Assessment of Antidermatophytic Activities of &lt;i&gt;Urtica dioica&lt;/i&gt; L against &lt;i&gt;Microsporum canis&lt;/i&gt; in a Guinea Pig Model

Purpose: To investigate the antidermatophytic effects of Urtica dioica L. against Microsporum canis in vitro and in a guinea pig model.Methods: The in vitro antifungal activity of the extracts was measured by disc diffusion method and assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The dorsum of the guinea pigs was infected with M. canis and topically treated as follows: negative control (NC) received no treatment; positive control (PC) received terbinafine 1 %; DMSO group (negative control) received 10 % DMSO (vehicle); while three other groups, viz, SN10%, SN20% and SN30% received 10, 20 and 30 % hydroalcohol extract dissolved in 10 % DMSO, respectively.Results: Both extracts did not show considerable antifungal activity against M. canis compared with terbinafine. The MICs of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were 30 and 20 mg.ml-1, respectively. PC and SN30% groups showed normal hair growth on day 15 while their skin looked healthy on day 30 post-inoculation. Lesion severity and clinical scores declined in SN30% and PC groups in comparison to NC group, on day 30 post-inoculation. Also, on day 30 post-inoculation, the clinical efficacy of the test formulations increased to 11.76, 23.52, 76.47, 5.88, and 94.11 % for SN10%, SN20%, SN30%, DMSO10%, and PC groups, respectively.Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of this plant could be further developed, with a view to its possibe use as an adjunct remedy for topical treatment of tinea corporis.Keywords: Urtica dioica L., Microsporum canis, Kurdish Ethnomedicine, Antifungal, Hair growth, Lesion, Dermatophytosis, Tinea corporis