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Antimycobacterial evaluation of Peruvian plants
J G Graham1, S L Pendland, J L Prause
1Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. jgraha1@uic.edu
Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Peruvian plants were screened for antimycobacterial activity. Over half of the tested plant extracts inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, indicating potential for new drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacognosy
- Microbiology
Background:
- Tuberculosis remains a significant global health threat.
- There is an urgent need for novel antimycobacterial agents.
- Traditional medicinal plants are a promising source for drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen a collection of Peruvian plant samples for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- To identify plant species with potential therapeutic value for tuberculosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- A total of 270 plant samples from Peru were collected.
- Dichloromethane extracts were prepared from the plant samples.
- Antimycobacterial activity was assessed using radiometric culture against Mycobacterium tuberculosis at a concentration of 50 microg/ml.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of the tested plant extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- The screening identified several Peruvian plant species with promising antimycobacterial properties.
Conclusions:
- Peruvian flora represents a valuable resource for identifying novel antimycobacterial compounds.
- Further investigation of these active plant extracts could lead to the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs.
