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Published on: April 9, 2018
The detection of antibacterial actions of whole herb tinctures using luminescent Escherichia coli
Kathryn Watt1, Nick Christofi, Rodney Young
1Pollution Research Unit, Applied Research Centre for Health, Environment and Society (ARCHES), Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
Two whole cell Escherichia coli luminescent biosensors were used to determine the antibacterial actions of 16 herbal tinctures. These bioassays can detect genotoxic (strain DPD2794) and general oxidative stress (DE135) events when challenged with antibacterial substances. Many of the herbal tinctures were active against these Gram-negative bacteria, affecting their metabolism without, in some cases, arresting cell growth or causing cell death. Antibacterial activity ranged from undetectable for Curcuma longa, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Apium graveolens to highly effective against both E. coli strains in the case of Rosmarinus officinalis. Some of the results were unexpected. Althaea officinalis affected microbial metabolism in spite of the lack of literature precedent, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum did not appear to be antimicrobial, as claimed in some literature. It is concluded that studies using luminescent bacterial biosensors can provide important new insights into the potency and modes of the lethal and sub-lethal antibacterial action of whole herbs, and thereby provide crucial evidence for efficacy demanded by modern science and medicine.
Insights
Luminescent bacterial biosensors revealed antibacterial effects of herbal tinctures on Escherichia coli. Rosmarinus officinalis showed high efficacy, while some herbs had unexpected impacts on bacterial metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Herbal tinctures are widely used for medicinal purposes.
- Understanding their precise antibacterial mechanisms is crucial for scientific validation.
- Escherichia coli serves as a model Gram-negative bacterium for such studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial actions of 16 herbal tinctures against Escherichia coli.
- To investigate the effects of these tinctures on bacterial genotoxicity and oxidative stress.
- To explore the modes of lethal and sub-lethal antibacterial action of whole herbs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two whole-cell Escherichia coli luminescent biosensors (strain DPD2794 for genotoxicity, DE135 for oxidative stress).
- Assayed the antibacterial activity of 16 different herbal tinctures.
- Monitored bacterial responses including metabolism, growth arrest, and cell death.
Main Results:
- Significant antibacterial activity was observed for several herbal tinctures against both E. coli strains.
- Rosmarinus officinalis demonstrated high efficacy.
- Unexpected results included Althaea officinalis affecting metabolism and Cinnamomum zeylanicum showing limited antimicrobial activity contrary to some literature.
Conclusions:
- Luminescent bacterial biosensors provide valuable insights into the potency and mechanisms of herbal antibacterial action.
- These findings offer crucial evidence for the efficacy of herbal remedies, meeting modern scientific and medical demands.
- The study highlights the need for empirical validation of traditional herbal medicine claims.
