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The new buzz: Investigating the antimicrobial interactions between bioactive compounds found in South African
K Kharsany1, A Viljoen2, C Leonard3
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|April 13, 2019
Summary
Flavonoids in South African propolis, including pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin, show enhanced antimicrobial activity when combined. These synergistic combinations effectively inhibit bacterial communication and biofilm formation while reducing cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Natural Products Chemistry
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Propolis, a bee-derived resin, possesses historical therapeutic uses attributed to its flavonoid content.
- South African propolis is a rich source of pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin, with limited research on their combined antimicrobial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined antimicrobial activities of pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin.
- To evaluate the synergistic interactions and potential therapeutic applications of these flavonoids.
Main Methods:
- Determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC).
- Assessed anti-quorum sensing activity, biofilm inhibition, and cytotoxicity using brine shrimp lethality assays.
Main Results:
- Combinations of pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin exhibited superior antimicrobial inhibition compared to individual compounds.
- Synergistic antimicrobial effects were observed in 22% of 1:1 and 66% of 1:1:1 flavonoid combinations.
- Combined flavonoids demonstrated bactericidal activity, inhibited bacterial quorum sensing and biofilm formation, and showed reduced cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids in South African propolis act synergistically to enhance antimicrobial efficacy.
- Combined flavonoid use offers a strategy for potent antimicrobial action with minimized cytotoxicity.
Keywords:
BiofilmBrine shrimp lethality assayChrysinChrysin (97%, product number C80105, lot number STBF6934V, PubChem CID: 5281607)CompoundsGalanginGalangin (99.5%, product number 282200, lot number MKCC7629, PubChem CID: 5281616)PinocembrinPinocembrin (95%, batch number 20170315, PubChem CID: 68071)Quorum sensingSynergy
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