Antimicrobial properties of the essential oil of Artemisia asiatica Nakai

The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Artemisia asiatica Nakai, its main constituents: 1,8-cineole and selin-11-en-4alpha-ol and monoterpene alcohols fraction were determined against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Rhodotorula rubra and Aspergillus fumigatus. The oil exhibited a good inhibitory activity against bacteria and fungi. The monoterpene alcohols fraction showed the highest antibacterial activity.     

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from the leaves of Sesuvium portulacastrum

Sesuvium portulacastrum has long been used as a remedy for fever and scurvy. Hydrodistillation was used to extract the essential oil from the fresh leaves of Sesuvium portulacastrum. The essential oil yield obtained was 0.15%. Using GC-MS analysis, alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-pinene, alpha-terpinene, O-cymene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinene, bornyl acetate, tridecane, trans-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene were identified. The hole plate diffusion method was used for antibacterial testing. The essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity against Acetobacter calcoacetica, Bacillus subtillis, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhii, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. The mycelium growth inhibition method was used for the antifungal testing. The oil exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum. Using the beta-carotene, acetone and linoleic acid method for the antioxidant testing, the essential oil showed antioxidant activity threshold of 15.9 mm mean zone of color retention.     

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Syzygium jambolanum seeds

The water and methanolic extracts of Syzygium jambolanum seeds were examined for antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro using the disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration. Activity against gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) and fungal strains (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum) is discussed.     

Composition and antimicrobial activity of Achillea clavennae L. essential oil

The volatile constituents of Achillea clavennae L. (Asteraceae), rare plant of Europe, have been analysed using GC/MS. Twenty- five components making up 81.6% of the oil were characterized with camphor (29.5%), myrcene (5.5%), 1,8-cineole (5.3%), beta-caryophyllene (5.1%) and linalool (4.9%) being the major constituents. The essential oil was evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities. The screening of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil was conducted by a disc diffusion test against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis) and fungal organisms (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans). The activity was more pronounced against Gram-negative and fungal organisms than against Gram-positive bacteria. A. clavennae oil was found to possess antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and all fungal organisms.     

Some pharmacological properties of extracts of Terminalia sericea roots

Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex. DC (Combretaceae) extracts are used to treat bacterial infections, diarrhea, and diabetes. Intermediate and polar extracts of the roots exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus anthracis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the petroleum ether extract was inactive. The extracts were mildly active against Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but exhibited the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus. They also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. An 80% aqueous ethanol extract of the roots did not have any effect on blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in mice (P>0.05). With the exception of the dichloromethane and petroleum ether extracts, all the intermediate and polar extracts were toxic to brine shrimps giving LC(50) (95% confidence intervals) values ranging from 5.4 (3.5-8.4) to 17.4 (11.4-26.5) microg/ml, while that of cyclophosphamide, a standard anticancer drug, was 16.3 (10.6-25.2) microg/ml. Further work is in progress to isolate and identify active compounds in the extracts.     

Antimicrobial, wound healing and antioxidant activity of Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. et Lind

Plagiochasma appendiculatum (Aytoniaceae) of the order Marchantiales is widely used in the form of paste ethnomedicinally by Gaddi tribe in Kangra valley for treating skin diseases. In this context, antimicrobical potential of Plagiochasma appendiculatum against a wide range of microorganisms was studied. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, wound healing activity was studied, besides antioxidant activity to understand the mechanism of wound healing activity. The plant (alchoholic and aqueous extract) showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against almost all the organisms: Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and eight fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus albidus-dimorphic fungi, Trichophyton rubrum-dermatophyte fungi, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus spinulosus, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus nidulans-systemic fungi, with especially good activity against the dermatophyte (Trichophyton rubrum) and some infectious bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Salmonella typhimurium) with an MIC of 2.5 microg/disc. The results show that Plagiochasma appendiculatum extract has potent wound healing capacity as evident from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength. The results also indicated that Plagiochasma appendiculatum extract possesses potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase activity.     

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of small protein of Indigofera oblongifolia leaves.

Four fractions from the leaves of Indigofera oblongifolia were obtained on Sephadex G-25 column chromatography. A single bands of these fractions were detected on Poly-acrylamide SDS gel electrophoresis. An antibacterial action of small protein peptide was tested against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Kl. pneumoniae. Staphyllococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Peptide 3 showed strong inhibitory activity against B. subtilis and Aspergillus niger but clear zone of inhibition was also noted against A. fumigatus. Peptide 4 showed significant inhibitory zone against Kl. pneumoniae, S. aureus, B. subtilis. A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus.     

蜈蚣醇提取物和水提取物部分药理作用比较

目的比较鲜品少棘蜈蚣的醇提物及水提物在体外抑菌和抗惊厥两方面的作用。方法采用平板空穴扩散法,以大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草杆菌黑色变种芽孢、白色念珠球菌、黑曲霉菌5种常见菌为供试菌,对蜈蚣醇提物及水提物的抑菌活性进行研究;采用硝酸士的宁致痫模型,观察蜈蚣醇提物及水提物对小鼠抗惊率、死亡率及惊厥潜伏期的影响。结果蜈蚣醇提物水提物对各供试菌均有抑制作用,醇提物抑菌效果明显强于水提物。蜈蚣水提物能够明显提高抗惊率,降低死亡率,延长小鼠惊厥潜伏期,潜伏期达到(372±146.9)s,与对照组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01)。蜈蚣醇提物没有明显抗惊厥作用。结论蜈蚣活性成分及作用效果与提取部位密切相关。     

Wound healing, anti-microbial and antioxidant potential of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh

Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh (Loranthaceae) of the order Santalales, is used ethnomedicinally for treating ulcers, asthma, impotence, paralysis, skin diseases, and wounds. In this context, validations of the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in wound healing activity was studied, besides anti-microbial activity and antioxidant activity were performed to understand the mechanism of wound healing potency. The ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Dendrophthoe falcata ethanolic extract (DFEE) was investigated for the evaluation of its healing efficiency on excision and incision wound models in rats. The results showed that Dendrophthoe falcata extract has potent wound healing capacity as evident from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength. Hydroxyproline and hexosamine expressions were also well correlative with the healing pattern observed. Three of the fractions A-C (petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol, respectively) obtained from the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Serratia marcescens, and five fungi Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis: dimorphic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger: systemic fungi, and some infectious bacteria Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The results also indicated that DFEE possesses potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase levels and increased the catalase activity.     

Synergistic antibacterial activity between Thymus vulgaris and Pimpinella anisum essential oils and methanol extracts

Essential oils (EOs) and methanol extracts obtained from aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris and Pimpinella anisum seeds were evaluated for their single and combined antibacterial activities against nine Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The essential oils and methanol extracts revealed promising antibacterial activities against most pathogens using broth microdilution method. Maximum activity of Thymus vulgaris and Pimpinella anisum essential oils and methanol extracts (MIC 15.6 and 62.5mug/ml) were observed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Proteus vulgaris. Combinations of essential oils and methanol extracts showed an additive action against most tested pathogens especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Antibacterial activity of water and acetone extracts of the roots of Euclea natalensis

Water and acetone extracts of the roots of Euclea natalensis A.DC. were investigated for their in vitro antibacterial properties. The Gram-positive bacteria tested appeared to be more susceptible to the extracts than the Gram-negative bacteria. The water and acetone extracts inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus kristinae and Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 6.0 mg/ml. The water extract did not exert any inhibitory action on Gram-negative bacteria while the acetone extract showed inhibitory activity at a concentration of 5.0 mg/ml against all the Gram-negative bacteria investigated. The antibacterial activity of acetone extract was also investigated by a direct bioassay on TLC plates against S. aureus.     

Screening of some Tanzanian medicinal plants from Bunda district for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities

Extracts from 50 plant parts obtained from 39 different plants belonging to 22 families used to treat infectious diseases in Bunda district, Tanzania, were screened against twelve microorganisms, including the bacteria Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium, the fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and the viruses Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus T2, Coxsackie B2 and Semliki Forest A7. The highest activity was obtained for the n-hexane extract of Elaeodendron schlechteranum root bark against the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus (MIC 0.97 microg/ml and MBC 1.95 microg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 3.90 microg/ml and MBC 31.25 microg/ml). Gram-negative bacteria were less sensitive. Only Balanites aegyptiaca stem bark exhibited a high antifungal activity against Candida albicans (MIC 125 microg/ml and MFC 250 microg/ml). Extracts from four plants; Lannea schweinfurthii, Combretum adenogonium, Ficus sycomorus and Terminalia mollis showed strong antiviral activity with RF values of 10(3) and 10(4) against Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 at various concentrations. Our results support, at least in part, the use of most plants as claimed by traditional healers/informants especially against the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus.     

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

The cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of an ethanol extract of leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), was investigated. The extract showed potent cytotoxicity with EC(50) values (12-14 microg/mL) comparable to a standard cytotoxic agent, chlorambucil. The extract showed a weak antibacterial activity against gram-positive test organisms (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus megaterium).     

Studies on the antibacterial potential of Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) extract

Different extracts of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb) Rbr. leaves were investigated for their antibacterial potential against Pseudomonus cepacia NCIM-2106, Bacillus megatorium NCIM-2087, Staphylococcus aureus NCIM-2492, Escherichia coli NCIM-2345, Bacillus subtilis NCIM-2349 and Bacillus coagulans NCIM 2323. Almost all the extracts produced significant antibacterial activity against all the microorganisms being tested and the effect so produced was comparable to the standard antibiotic, tetracycline hydrochloride. The petroleum ether (60 degrees-80 degrees C) extract showed maximum efficacy.     

对藏药甘青青兰4种提取物抑菌作用的研究

目的：研究藏药甘青青兰4种不同提取物对4种临床常见标准菌株的抑菌活性。方法：通过体外抑菌实验,用琼脂扩散法测定甘青青兰4种提取物有无抑菌活性。结果：甘青青兰（炒制）水提取物、生药材水提取物、生药材乙醇提取物在一定浓度（0.15 g/mL,0.2 g/mL）对金黄色葡萄球菌有抑菌或杀菌作用,甘青青兰（炒制）的乙醇提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌无抑菌作用。高浓度甘青青兰（炒制）的水提取物和乙醇提取物对铜绿假单胞菌有抑菌作用,且乙醇提取物的抑菌效果更好。结论：甘青青兰提取物对金黄色葡萄球菌和铜绿假单胞菌有确切的抑菌作用,对大肠杆菌和粪肠杆菌无抑菌作用。     

Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of constituents of "Ogwu Odenigbo", a popular Nigerian herbal medicine for typhoid fever

The ethylacetate-insoluble fraction of the methanol extract of "Ogwu Odenigbo" a popular Nigerian traditional herbal medicine for typhoid fever prepared from the stem bark of Cleistropholis patens Benth, (Annonaceae), was separated into 13 semi-characterized constituents by preparatory TLC. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the 13 fractions were quantitatively and/or qualitatively assessed by the agar well diffusion method using Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhinium, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The steroidal fraction was about 20 and 15 times more potent than penicillin and chloramphenicol respectively against B. subtilis, and about twice as active as penicillin G. or chloramphenicol against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The glycoside fractions 4/5, 6, 7 and the alkaloidal fraction 11 showed significant activity comparable to those of the controls against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The saponin fraction 1 was the only fraction active against Salmonella typhinium. Its activity was comparable to that of the controls against this organism.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol and water extracts of Cassia alata

Crude ethanol and water extract of leaves and barks from Cassia alata were tested in vitro against fungi, (Aspergillus fumigatus and Microsporum canis), yeast (Candida albicans) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aereus and Escherichia coli). C. albicans showed concentration-dependent susceptibility towards both the ethanol and water extracts from the barks, but resistant towards the extracts of leaves. The degree of susceptibility varied, the water extract from barks showed bigger inhibition zone than the ethanol extracts (12-16 and 10-14 mm, diameter respectively). The growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Microsporum canis were not affected by all types of the plant extracts. Results were comparable to standard antifungal drug Tioconazole (18 mm diameter) at equivalent concentration. The anti-bacterial activity of C. alata extracts on S. aureus was detected with only the leaves extracts using water and ethanol. The water extract exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the ethanol extract from leaves (inhibition zones of 11-14 and 9-11 mm, respectively). E. coli showed resistance to all types of extracts. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that this plant has antimicrobial activity, which is as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs against certain microorganisms.     

Antibacterial steroid alkaloids from the stem bark of Holarrhena pubescens

Holarrhena pubescens (syn. H. antidysenterica) (L.) WALL. stem bark was tested for antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the microdilution broth method as well as the disc diffusion method. The crude methanolic extract was active against all tested bacteria. Further chemical fractionation indicated that the antibacterial activity was mainly associated with the alkaloids. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for the crude extract, the total alkaloids and the neutral fraction using microdilution broth method. The results were compared with reference antibiotics. The total alkaloids showed remarkable activity against S. aureus (MIC = 95 microg/ml).     

藏药短穗兔耳草有效部位的抑菌活性研究

目的对短穗兔耳草Lagotis brachystachyM axim挥发油及全草分萃取段进行了抑菌活性研究。方法选择金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、伤寒沙门氏菌、大肠埃希菌和铜绿假单胞菌为代表菌种,筛选出了对所选细菌的生长具有明显抑制作用的抗菌活性部分。结果短穗兔耳草挥发油、石油醚萃取部分、醋酸乙酯萃取部分、正丁醇萃取部分都具有部分活性。结论短穗兔耳草挥发油对金黄色葡萄球菌和枯草芽孢杆菌有抑菌活性,石油醚萃取部分对5种细菌都不敏感,醋酸乙酯萃取部分对金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌和大肠埃希菌有抑菌活性,正丁醇萃取部分对金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、伤寒沙门氏菌和铜绿假单胞菌有抑菌活性。     

Antibacterial activity of an eudesmane sesquiterpene isolated from common Varthemia, Varthemia iphionoides

The ethyl acetate extract of the whole aerial parts of Varthemia iphionoides (Compositae) showed a pronounced antibacterial activity. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract and further purification of the most antibacterially active fraction led to the isolation and identification of an antibacterial sesquiterpene, selina-4,11(13)-dien-3-on-12-oic acid. This compound exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against six bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella enteritides). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of this compound which was determined by the agar dilution method ranged between 250 and 500 microg/ml.