Streptococcus Pyrogenes Research Articles

Influence of Pesticides Contamination on Microbial Population of Selected Farmlands

Pesticides play a pivotal role in agriculture by combating various pests and increasing crop yields. However, extensive use of pesticides can result in unintended consequences, including potential impact on soil microbes. This study was aimed at investigating the influence of pesticides contamination on microbial population of farmlands in Otuoke, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from four pesticide treated farmlands designated Bakery 1, Bakery 2, Dorcas, and PGS. A farmland without pesticide treatment served as Control. Microbial population, physiochemical parameters and pesticide residue of samples were investigated using standard techniques. Results revealed significant differences in microbial populations between pesticide-contaminated soils and control. The highest bacterium isolated and occurrence (%) in each location was; Streptomyces coelicolor 42(45.7%), Proteus vulgaris 179(59.9%), Streptomyces scabies 41(38.7%), Streptococcus pyrogenes 101(44.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 69(40.6%) for Bakery 1, Bakery 2, Dorcas, PGS, and control respectively. Highest fungus isolated and occurrence (%) was; Rhodotorula glutini 51(82.3%), 31(77.5%), and 43(81.1%) for Bakery 1, Bakery 2, and Dorcas respectively; and Candida tropicalis 25(80.6%) and Lichtheimia hyalospora 4(28.6%) for PGS and Control respectively. Pesticide analysis showed that Paraquat dichloride, Endosulfan, Diazinon, and N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine were present in the soil samples with about 75% residue. Site-specific pesticide concentrations varied in soil samples, with Bakery 1 having the highest concentrations Endosulfan and Diazinon, bakery 2 had highest concentration of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, and PGS had the highest concentration of Paraquat. Physiochemical characteristics showed that temperature ranged from 28.70 – 26.70°C, electrical conductivity 508 – 365µS/cm, moisture content 7.50 - 3.10%, pH 6.90 -3.90, and organic matter 4.70 – 3.00%. Decreasing order of cation exchange capacity (CEC) in farmlands was PGS > Bakery 2 > Bakery 1 > Dorcas > Control. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in each parameter between locations

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME COMMONLY USED TOOTHPASTES AGAINST SOME PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME COMMONLY USED TOOTHPASTES AGAINST SOME PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS

STANDARDISATION OF BIOACTIVE MATERIALS FROM CHROMULINA FREIBERGENSISAGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENS USING GC-MS ANALYSIS

In the preceding ten years, there has been a surge in the distribution of secondary metabolites and pharmacologically dynamic compounds from marine microalgae. Chromulinafreibergensis provided the antibacterial metabolites lessons for the current research .The current secondary metabolites study was chosen to focus on the green algal Chromulinafreibergensis. To see whether the properties of pH, temperature, and salinity on the development of microalgae aided in the growth of microalgae, they were tested. Antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., Proteus sp., Streptococcus pyrogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis was tested for in different solvent extracts of Chromulinafreibergensis.On the ninth day of incubation, when the medium was adjusted to a pH of 9.0 in 30 ppt of salinity at 250C, the uppermost cell growth was noticed. Of all the investigated solvents, the butanol + isopropanol (1:1) crude extract of Chromulinafreibergensis tested the highest zone of inhibition (13.4 mm) against Salmonella. . The presence of rare chemical substances like 3, 3, 5-Trimethylheptane (M.W. 142.2) and n-Hexadecane (M.W. 226.2) in the crude extract of Chromulinafreibergensis was discovered using GC-MS analysis.These results demonstrated the strong antibacterial activity of the Chromulinafreibergensis Butanol + Isopropanol (1:1) extract, demonstrating its enormous potential as a solvent for the extraction of bioactive chemicals from natural sources for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Potential and GC-MS Analysis of Chloroform Leaf Extract of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit

Bioactive compounds possessing therapeutic value are used for long time by vast group of researchers to treat various diseases for the goodness of the mankind. Most of the commercially available bioactive compounds are derived from plants because of their affirmative property on human health with minimum side effects. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. is one of the most important traditional and therapeutic plant, which is belongs to Lamiaceae family. The Biochemical test of the leaf extract of Hyptis suaveolens using different solvent shows the presence of biologically significant compounds. Thereby, the Antimicrobial properties of leaf extract of H. suaveolens carried out against six different bacterial pathogens and three fungi pathogens. Most potential activity was observed in the crude extract of Hexane, Ethyl acetate and Chloroform against E.coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus pyrogenes respectively when compared to Klebshilla pneumonia. Among the other crude extract, the chloroform crude extract resulted with more number of molecules in the phytochemical analysis and also it exhibits superior antibacterial activity. Hence, the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of chloroform extract was achieved and 17 different bioactive compounds were discovered. Neophytadiene, (S,Z)-Heptadeca-1,9-dien-4,6-diyn-3-ol, 2,3-Diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene, 7,7-dime and Stigmasterol are the significant molecules present in the chloroform leaf extract it has the highest value for the mankind.

Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New 2,3-Dihydro-1,5-benzodiazepine Derivatives

A series of 2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives have been synthesized and characterized using IR, NMR, GC-MS, single crystal XRD, and microanalysis. The results of their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Streptococcus pyrogens indicated that most of the compounds were bacteriostatic (0.125−4 mg/mL) and also exhibited good biofilm inhibition (0.21−72.69%). The compounds were found to be synergistic when used in combination with other antibiotics. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects were also investigated against PC-3 prostate cancer and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines, respectively, using the MTT assay. Apart from compounds 6 and 7, a good number of the compounds (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8) were selectively toxic to the prostate cancer cells at 20 µM, whilst sparing the normal cells. Compound 3 demonstrated the highest antiprostate cancer effect by reducing the viability of PC-3 cells to (13.75%), which was followed by compounds 1 (47.72%), 2 (48.18%), 4 (62.61%), 5 (66.70%), and 8 (69.55%).

Streptococcus pyrogens: A Short Review

Streptococcus pyrogens (commonly called as "group A streptococcus") is a pathogen infecting 18.1 million people and resulting in death of 5,00,000 people every year worldwide. The pathogens causing group A streptococcus (GAS) are commonly transmission through respiratory droplets, touching skin sore caused by GAS or through contaminated Material Streptococcus pyrogens is majorly found in children and elderly people. Preventing and controlling measures should be implemented to & reduce the risk of S. pyrogens by improving living Conditions and personal hygiene. GAS diseases are widely found in developing countries and low socioeconomic areas of developed countries.

Combustion-mediated sol–gel preparation of cobalt-doped ZnO nanohybrids for the degradation of acid red and antibacterial performance

Abstract The present study explores the combustion-mediated sol–gel preparation of the cobalt-doped ZnO (Co/ZnO) nanohybrids. The characterization results of as-prepared samples were investigated using analytical instruments like FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, UV-Vis DRS, BET, and TGA. The doping of cobalt into ZnO was achieved at a lower particle size (21.3 nm) than the pure ZnO (29.6 nm). We observed that the Co-doped ZnO grain size seems to be in abundance and diversity than that of the undoped ZnO. Further examination was carried out with photocatalytic degradation of acid red (AR) dye under visible light illumination and antibacterial performance over Spingomonous pausimobilis and Streptococcus pyrogenes to assess the catalytic performance of the prepared Co/ZnO nanohybrid. The photocatalytic degradation results from the optimum reaction conditions are 150 mg of catalyst loading, pH 2, and 10 ppm of initial AR dye concentration, and the complete degradation of AR dye in 120 min. The antibacterial performance of the Co/ZnO nanohybrid was measured and was found to be 25 and 16 mm for S. pausimobilis and S. pyrogenes, respectively, with respect to the control chloramphenicol.

Biological Evaluation of Zinc Phosphate Cement for Potential Bone Contact Applications

Zinc phosphate cement is used in dentistry to lute crowns and bridges. So far, its biocompatibility for other applications has not been studied. This paper reports the biocompatibility of zinc phosphate towards MG63 cells, testing both the material (discs; 3 mm diameter × 1 mm thick) and leachate from the cement. Cell viability was determined using an MTT assay, and cytotoxicity from the effects of leachate, studied in triplicate. Microscopy (optical and scanning electron) determined the morphology and proliferation of cells attached to zinc phosphate. ICP-OES measured element release into leachate, and anti-microbial behaviour was determined against Streptococcus pyrogenes cultured on a Brain Heart Infusion agar using cement discs (3 mm diameter × 1 mm thick). Zones of inhibition were measured after 72 h. MG63 cells proliferated on zinc phosphate surfaces and retained their morphology. The cells were healthy and viable as shown by an MTT assay, both on cement and in leachate. High levels of phosphorus but low levels of zinc were released into leachate. The cement showed minimal antimicrobial activity against S. pyogenes, probably due to the long maturation times used. Zinc phosphate cement was found to be biocompatible towards MG63 cells, which indicates that it may be capable of use in bone contact applications.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aspergillus flavus and their antibacterial performance

Abstract Many methods have been developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), yet disadvantages are there to declined their catalytic activity due to the large size with small surface area. Hence, herein, the fungus mediated synthesis of Ag-NPs has been reported. The synthesized Ag-NPs were further characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy to study the particle size, surface, crystalline nature, phase formation of Ag-NPs and the produced particles were found to be 41.9 nm. The antibacterial efficiency of synthesized Ag-NPs was examined on various bacteria including Streptococcus pyrogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus coagulans, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Corynibacterium glutamicum. The Ag-NPs could be considered as excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. More prominently, the Ag-NPs produced by Aspergillus flavus exhibited potent antibacterial activity against certain pathogens. Bacillus coagulans exhibited maximum zone of inhibition 25.16 ± 0.80 at 80 μg/mL with respective to the standard antibiotic 26.66 ± 1.22 at 30 μg/mL concentration.

Expanding CRISPR repertoire using CjCas9 as a smaller editing tool

The field of gene editing continues to expand significantly and is entering a time of unprecedented utility. Academia and industry look to conquer genetic-based disease with viral and non-viral-delivered CRISPR-Cas9. The most widely used Cas9 protein is derived from Streptococcus pyrogenes (SpCas9), which lends itself to being too large for AAV viral delivery. Cas9 orthologue proteins have diverse size and dependent on bacteria of origin. This diversity has given rise to Cas9 proteins smaller in size while maintaining gene editing abilities. In this article, authors have focused on the use of CjCas9, whose smaller size allows for packaging in AAV and maintains high on-target gene editing. The locus APOC3 was identified for eventual targeting/integration in humans where cardioprotective properties are predicted. To confirm in vivo targeting of this locus, a humanized mouse model was developed due to the absence of the APOC3 locus in mice. These studies looked to answer long-standing questions on integrated gene stability, promoter/low gene integration, and the duration of therapeutic efficacy of the integrated gene.

Enhancement of antibacterial activity through phyto-fabrication of silver nanoparticles with Ficus thonningii aqueous extracts.

The World Health Organisation reports higher levels of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems of above 54%. The sufficient redox capabilities of Ficus thonningii phytochemicals for Ag+ reduction to Ag0 and ultimately aggregation to nucleation are exploited for the first time in attempting to enhance the antibacterial activity. Solution colour change to brown due to surface plasmon resonance phenomenon confirmed nanoparticle fabrication with a UV/Vis absorption peak at 426 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared spectra revealed functional groups (C=C at 1620–1680 cm−1; C=H at 1400–1600 cm−1 aromatics) for encapsulation, stabilisation, and reduction of the silver ion. The Dynamic Light Scattering technique verified F. thonningii encapsulated silver nanoparticles particle size of 57.84 nm with a negative zeta potential (−19.8 mV) as proof of stability. The surface, shape and topographical features were shown by Scanning Electron Microscopy as spherical orientations. An enhanced antimicrobial efficacy was displayed by the nanoparticles (inhibition zones of 26.1, 24.1 and 15.2 mm from 11.5, 10.6 and 6.5 mm) for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively, compared to Flucloxacillin standard that was in the ranges of 21.5, 23.5 and 25.7 mm. The enhanced potency provides a basis for diversified approaches of generating novel drugs for treating bacterial infections.

Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis and Proteus vulgaris selectively associated with two varieties of banana and effects of storage conditions on nutritional composition of banana

This study was carried out to identify organisms associated with banana deterioration and effects of storage on nutritional compositions of banana. There is a high cultivation and consumption of banana in Nigeria. However, high post-harvest loss due to microbial rot remains an albatross. Aspergillus niger and Alcaligenes faecalis were isolated from rotten M. sapientus fruit while Rhizoctonia solani and Proteus vulgaris were isolated from M. acuminata fruit. However, Streptococcus pyrogenes was isolated from both M. sapientus and M. acuminata. The percentage proximate content of the macro nutrients, moisture, carbohydrate, ash, crude protein, crude fibre and lipid were carried out on banana fruits stored for 5 days. The mean proximate composition of M. sapientum on the fifth day of storage showed decrease in carbohydrate (from 18.807 to 5.334%) and lipid (from 3.292 to 2.874%) content, while an increase was observed in the moisture content (from 75.493 to 81.987%), protein (1.713 to 1.947%) and ash contents (1.937 to 1.969%). The results obtained showed that fruits stored at 4oC+1 in a refrigerator for 20 days stayed for a longer time before initiation of ripening, compared with fruits stored in moistened sawdust for 7 days and fruits stored in polyethylene bag moistened with KMnO4 solution for 3 days. The results obtained from this work showed that refrigeration was the most effective storage condition for prolonging the shelf life of banana.

EVALUATION AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM CHAETOCEROUS CALCITRANS AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENS

The distribution of secondary metabolites and pharmacologically dynamic complexes from marine microalgae has increased in the previous decade. The antibacterial metabolites lessons in the current search were taught by Chaetoceroscalcitrans. Methods :Chaetoceroscalcitrans(green algae) was chosen as the subject of the existing secondary metabolites study. The properties of pH, temperature, and salinity were tested to see if they aided in the growth of microalgae. Dissimilar solvent extracts of Chaetoceroscalcitrans were tested for antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae ,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp.,Proteus sp., Streptococcus pyrogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. Result : The uppermost cell growth was detected during the 9th day of incubation when the medium was adjusted with pH of 9.0 in 30 ppt of salinity at 25C. Butanol + Isopropanol(1:1) crude extract of Chaetoceroscalcitrans had the largest zone of inhibition (13.4 mm) against Salmonella of all the solvents tested. . For the crude extract of Chaetoceroscalcitrans, GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of unique chemical compounds such as 3, 3, 5-Trimethylheptane (M.W. 142.2) and n-Hexadecane (M.W.226.2), respectively. Conclusion:These results show that the Butanol + Isopropanol (1:1) extract of Chaetoceroscalcitranshas significant antimicrobial activity and thus has great potential as a solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from natural sources for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Synthesised Azo Compounds based on β-naphthol, Catechol and Quinol Nucleus

A series of 10-aryl substituted azo dyes were synthesized by coupling of β-naphthol, catechol, and quinol with different aromatic amines. The synthetic compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The characterization of the synthesized compounds was carried out by UV, IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectroscopy. 13C NMR was employed to confirm the structural identity of some of the compounds. After screening for the presence of antimicrobial constituents in the azo compounds using HTSPOTi culture method, quinol compounds 7 [(E)-2(2nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,4-diol] and 10 [(E)-2-(3-nitrophenyl) diazinyl) benzene-1,4-diol] were the most active in terms of broad spectrum activity against Gram-positives [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyrogenes (clinical strain), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212)],, Gram-negatives [Salmonella typhi (clinical strain), Escherichia coli (ATCC 251922)] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and the Candida albicans at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 15.63-31.25 µg/mL. A quinol derivative, [(E)-2-(2nitrophenyl) diazinyl) benzene-1, 4-diol], exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity in the heat-denatured egg albumin assay. Compounds [ethyl (Z)-4-(3-hydroxynapthalen-1-yl (diazinyl) benzoate] and (E)-2-((3-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) benzene-1,4-diol showed high DPPH free radical scavenging activity during the antioxidant assay.

Synthesis, characterization and anti-bacterial activity of Schiff Base and its mixed ligand complexes of Cr (II) and Co (II) containing vanillin and 2-aminophenol

Schiff Base are organic ligand that contained azomethine linkage (-HC=N-) which shows biological importance. Schiff Base from vanillin and 2-aminophenol was synthesized in 1:1 mole ratio. The complexes of Cr (II) and Co (II) from Schiff Base in 1:2 mole ratio metal-ligand (M-L) and the mixed ligand complexes from Schiff Base and 2-aminophenol in 1:1:1 mole ratio ligand-metal-ligand(L-M-L) were synthesized and characterized based on solubility, melting point, conductivity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet (UV). The solubility result shows that, dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) dissolved all the complexes. The results obtained from melting point, conductivity indicated purity and non-electrolytic of the complexes respectively. In metal complexes, the infrared data showed the ligands is coordinated to the metal ion through azomethine nitrogen, oxygen in methoxyl group and oxygen in phenolic group. In mixed ligand complexes, the infrared data revealed the ligands is coordinated to the metal ion through azomethine nitrogen, oxygen in methoxyl group, oxygen in phenolic group and nitrogen in amino group. The results showed a six coordinate octahedral geometry for these complexes. The ligands and the metal complexes were examined for their antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pyrogens , Klebsiella pneumonia (gram - bacteria), and Bacillus sutilis, Staphylococcus aureus (gram + bacteria). In comparing the results, the complex of Co(HL1)2 has greater zone of inhibition against the tested organism than the free ligands as antibacterial agent.

Microwave assisted synthesis of novel spiro diarylidenes and their antimicrobial assay

A rapid and high yield microwave assisted synthesis of a series of novel 7,9-bis-(arylidene)-4-methyl-2,6,10-triphenyl-2,3-diazaspiro[4,5]dec-3- -ene-1,8-dione has been explored. The spiro diarylidene derivatives having nitrogen atom and ?,?-unsaturated ketone moiety were synthesized by aldol condensation between 4-methyl-2,6,10-triphenyl-2,3-diazaspiro[4,5]dec-3-ene-1,8- -dione and corresponding aryl aldehydes followed by dehydration. The synthesized series of novel spirodiarylidene derivatives were characterized using IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR and mass spectra. Density functional theory (DFT) study was performed by Gaussian 09 software. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated against two pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strain and three pathogenic fungal species by disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microbroth dilution technique. The results of the present study demonstrated that the examined compounds marked 5a and 5c, possessing 4-NO2 and 5-Br-2-OH substituents, are found to be more active against Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, 8 and 16 ?g mL-1, respectively, and moderately active against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, compared to other synthetic derivatives. However, none of the synthesized derivatives showed any activity against Streptococcus pyrogenes. Compound 5e, possessing 2,4,6-(OCH3)3C6H3 moiety, exhibited broad spectrum activity against all fungal strains under study, but showed no antibacterial activity.

EFFICACY EVALUATION OF EXTRACTS OF BRASSICA JUNCEA AND BRASSICA ALBA SEEDS AS POTENTIAL ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT-IN VITRO STUDY, AGAINST PYOGENIC MICROBES - STREPTOCOCCUS PYROGENS, STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND E.COLI

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that about 80% of the world’s population depends primarily on traditional medicine.[1] Ayurveda is the science of life, which aims at building a healthy body with a sound mind. During the past few decades, and in recent Covid-19 Pandaemic situations traditional systems of medicines have become a topic of global importance. The number of emerging multidrug-resistant microbial strains is continuously increasing and has become one of the most serious threats to the successful treatment of infectious diseases. In this study, the antibacterial potentials of the extracts of water, Petroleum ether, methanol & Chloroform of Brassica juncea & Brassica alba seeds were tested against mentioned pyogenic bacteria. Given reports of Brassica species in the treatment of various infections since the Vedic period & Ayurveda, the seed oil had been investigated for its anti-microbial activity by several research workers. Some herbs from Rakshoghna Gana [2] were screened for their in vitro anti-microbial activity on E.Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. Hence as a part of further research, Brassicajuncea and Brassica alba various extracts and crude oils were evaluated for antibacterial activity against pyogenic bacteria Streptococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus and E.Coli by Agar Cup Dilution Technique against standard chemotherapeutic agents, by using 12 antibiotics, sensitivity discs. In vitro study revealed out that crude oil of Brassica juncea and Brassica alba is not potent as standard antimicrobial agents, but water extract and methanol extract possess significant antimicrobial activity in Vitro. Both the extract possesses antimicrobial activity against all 3 pyogenic bacteria and potent as standard 12 antimicrobial drugs. The extracts showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, inhibition zones of bacteria strains ranged from 3-12 mm for Staphylococcus aureus,3-15mm for Streptococcus pyrogens 5-12mm for E. coli. The result of the study supports the immense medicinal properties of Brassica juncea which has revealed a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antibacterial herbal formulation. Again Brassica alba was found superior in antibacterial action as compared to Brassica juncea as its mention in Ayurved Lexicon Bhavprakash Nighantu,[3,4] results substantiate the same. This is further open for re- search workers to carry out further research work on this project and to see the phagocytic action of the drug, fix the dose of the drug, fractionization of water and methanol extracts by HPTLC separation of active principle as further drug development. Keywords: Brassica juncea, Brassica alba, antibacterials agents, herbal medicine.

Evaluation the efficacy of three brands of Ceftriaxone against various strains of bacteria by measuring zone of inhibition

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)is wide spectrum cephalosporin that has been used for decades for combating infections caused by broad array of pathogens. In this study, the antibiotic ceftriaxone from three different brands was tested for its effectiveness against strains of bacteria like Streptococcus pyrogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. The effectiveness of ceftriaxone was estimated by measuring zone of inhibition and compared with standard disc (BD BBL Sensi-Disc 2004/09). The diameters of the inhibitory zones for all brands were ranged from 20 to 33mm±0.5. The present study showed that there is no significant variation amongst the different brands of ceftriaxone in term of their antibacterial effectiveness.

Stigma -5, 22, -Diene-3-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside: A new antimicrobial glycoside from Tetrapleura tetraptera

Indigenous medical practices have been the subject of much attention in the literature of various disciplines to date but the specificity, mode of action and clinical efficacy of most traditional plants have not been established in a manner consistent with standards of modern pharmacognosy and pharmacology. In order to find antimicrobial lead compounds and to provide scientific validation for the use of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum.& Thonn.) in traditional medicine . Extensive chromatographic separation of stem bark and leaf extracts led to the isolation of three distinct compounds. Anti-microbial spectrum of these obtained compounds revealed that stigma-5, 22, - diene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus (32 mm), Streptococcus pyrogenes (30 mm) and Candida tropicalis (30 mm). It is therefore recommended for further work for a possible development of new drugs.

COMPARISON STUDY OF ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIMICROBIAL AND CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES OF SECONDARY METABOLITE AND PROTEIN EXTRACTS FROM CLINACANTHUS NUTANS

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the secondary metabolites and proteins extracted from Clinacanthus nutans.
 Methods: Methanol (ME) and acetone (AC) and also protein (PE) extracts were obtained from Clinacanthus nutans. Antioxidant activity of sample extracts was examined by using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrydyl Hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and antimicrobial activity was examined by using the agar diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeroginosa bacterial strain. The cytotoxic potential was determined by brine shrimp lethality assay.
 Results: Methanol extract (ME) demonstrated to have the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 98.84 μg/ml, followed by acetone extract (AE) with IC50 value of 134.83µg/ml, and protein extract (PE) with IC50 value of 353.49 µg/ml. Among all of the sample extracts, only methanol crude extracts (ME) displayed moderate inhibition against Gram-positive B. cereus (7.33±1.15 mm) and S. pyrogenes (8.67±0.57 mm) at concentration of 100 mg/ml, while both acetone (AE) and protein (PE) extracts had no activity against all tested microorganisms. All extracts from methanol (ME), acetone (AE) and protein (PE) exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against brine shrimps at LC50 7.2 μg/ml, 1.42 μg/ml and 70.6 μg/ml respectively.
 Conclusion: These data proved that methanol extract from the leaves of Clinacanthus nutans is the most potent among all samples tested and has the potential to be developed as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Whilst, acetone and protein crude extracts have potent antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities.