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Antibacterial & antiplasmid activities of Helicteres isora L

Varsha Shriram1, Sheetal Jahagirdar, C Latha

  • 1Department of Botany, University of Pune, Pune, India.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|August 10, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An extract from Helicteres isora fruits effectively removed R-plasmids from bacteria, reversing multiple drug resistance (MDR). This natural compound offers potential for developing new antiplasmid agents to combat antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacognosy
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Multiple drug resistance (MDR) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • R-plasmids are key genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
  • Investigating natural products for antiplasmid activity is crucial for combating MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the plasmid curing ability of organic fruit extracts of Helicteres isora.
  • To determine if H. isora extracts can eliminate R-plasmids from clinical bacterial isolates.
  • To assess the potential of H. isora as a source for antiplasmid agents.

Main Methods:

  • Bioassay-guided fractionation of acetone extracts from H. isora fruits.
  • Determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for antibiotics and extracts.
  • Assessment of plasmid curing activity by bacterial growth assays and agarose gel electrophoresis.

Main Results:

  • An active fraction of H. isora extract demonstrated significant plasmid curing efficiency in Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus.
  • Plasmid loss resulted in the reversal of multiple antibiotic resistance in the cured bacterial strains.
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis confirmed the physical loss of plasmid DNA.

Conclusions:

  • The active fraction from H. isora fruits effectively cured R-plasmids from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • This plasmid elimination restored antibiotic sensitivity in the bacterial isolates.
  • H. isora extracts represent a promising natural source for developing novel antiplasmid agents to control MDR.

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