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Terminalia ferdinandiana Fruit and Leaf Extracts Inhibit Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Growth
Matthew J Cheesman1,2, Alan White3, Ben Matthews4
1School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Australia.
Abstract:
The development of multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria has vastly depleted our repertoire of effective antibiotic chemotherapies. The development of multi-β-lactam-resistant strains are particularly concerning due to our previous reliance on this class of antibiotics because of their initial efficacy and broad-spectrum activity. With increases in extended-spectrum β-lactam-resistance and an expanded resistance to other classes of antibiotics, there is an urgent need for the development of effective new antibiotic therapies. Terminalia ferdinandiana is an endemic Australian plant known for its high antioxidant and tannin contents. T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts have strong antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacterial pathogens. However, T. ferdinandiana extracts have not been tested against ESBL and MRSA antibiotic-resistant pathogens. An objective of this study was to screen T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts for bacterial growth inhibitory activity by disc diffusion assay against β-lactam-sensitive and -resistant E. coli strains and against methicillin-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was quantified by liquid dilution techniques. The fruit methanolic extract, as well as the methanolic, aqueous, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts strongly inhibited the growth of the MRSA, with MICs as low as 223 µg/mL. In contrast, the extracts were ineffective inhibitors of ESBL growth. Metabolomic fingerprint analysis identified a diversity and relative abundance of tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, several of which have been reported to inhibit MRSA growth in isolation. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia nauplii and HDF toxicity assays, further indicating their potential for medicinal use.
Insights
Australian plant extracts show promise against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts effectively inhibited Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) but not Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance, particularly multi-drug resistance, poses a significant global health threat.
- The emergence of strains resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Terminalia ferdinandiana, an Australian native plant, is recognized for its rich antioxidant and tannin content, suggesting potential medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.
- To determine the efficacy of these extracts against Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Main Methods:
- Disc diffusion assays were employed to screen for bacterial growth inhibition.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using liquid dilution techniques.
- Metabolomic fingerprint analysis was conducted to identify key phytochemical constituents.
Main Results:
- Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against MRSA, with MICs as low as 223 µg/mL.
- The extracts were found to be ineffective against ESBL-producing E. coli strains.
- Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids, compounds known to possess antibacterial properties.
Conclusions:
- Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts exhibit potent antibacterial effects against MRSA, indicating their potential as a source for new antimicrobial agents.
- The plant's extracts were non-toxic in Artemia nauplii and HDF toxicity assays, supporting their safety for potential therapeutic applications.
- Further research into isolating and characterizing the active compounds from Terminalia ferdinandiana is warranted for developing novel anti-MRSA therapies.
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