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Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Indigenous Wild Mushrooms against Pathogenic Organisms

Gebreselema Gebreyohannes1,2, Andrew Nyerere3, Christine Bii4

  • 1Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Mekelle Institute of Technology, Mekelle University, Ethiopia.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|March 26, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Indigenous wild mushroom extracts from Kenya show significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA. These findings highlight the potential of natural compounds in combating drug-resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Microbiology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Wild mushrooms are a rich source of bioactive compounds.
  • Antimicrobial resistance necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antimicrobial potential of indigenous wild mushroom extracts from Kenya.
  • To screen these extracts against a panel of clinically relevant bacteria and fungi.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and identification of 35 wild mushroom species from Kenyan forests.
  • Extraction of mushroom contents using chloroform and hot water.
  • Screening of extracts against *Escherichia coli*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, MRSA, *Candida albicans*, and *Candida parapsilosis* using a tetrazolium microtiter plate bioassay.

Main Results:

  • Extracts from three mushroom species (*Trametes* spp. and *Microporus* spp.) exhibited promising antimicrobial activity.
  • *Staphylococcus aureus* (ATCC 25923) and Methicillin-Resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) were highly susceptible to chloroform extracts.
  • Chloroform extract of *Microporus* spp. showed broad-spectrum activity, while hot water extract of *Trametes* spp. was most effective against *S. aureus* but less so against *E. coli*.

Conclusions:

  • Indigenous wild mushrooms from Kenya possess significant antimicrobial properties.
  • The identified mushroom extracts, particularly from *Trametes* and *Microporus* species, represent potential sources for developing new antimicrobial agents.

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