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Coptis rhizome extract influence on Streptococcus pneumoniae through autolysin activation

Eon-Bee Lee1,2, Kyubae Lee3

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.

AMB Express
|July 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Coptis rhizome extract CRET70 shows potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, including resistant strains. This traditional remedy effectively inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation, offering a promising natural alternative in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Ethnobotany

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant respiratory infections.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Coptis rhizome is traditionally used for respiratory ailments, but its efficacy against S. pneumoniae lacks empirical validation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibacterial properties of Coptis rhizome extracts against S. pneumoniae.
  • To evaluate the potential of Coptis rhizome in combating antibiotic resistance.
  • To explore the mechanism of action, including effects on bacterial autolysis and biofilm formation.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of four Coptis rhizome extracts (CRET30, CRET50, CRET70, CRDW) using ethanol and distilled water.
  • Assessment of antibacterial activity via Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), disk diffusion, and time-kill assays against standard and resistant S. pneumoniae strains.
  • Evaluation of biofilm inhibition and monitoring of the lytA gene expression related to autolysis.

Main Results:

  • The CRET70 extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity with an MIC of 0.125 µg/mL against both S. pneumoniae strains.
  • CRET70 demonstrated significant inhibition zones (22.17 mm and 17.20 mm) and a 2-log decrease in bacterial counts.
  • The extract effectively inhibited 77.40% of biofilm formation and induced significant overexpression of the lytA gene.

Conclusions:

  • Coptis rhizome extract CRET70 possesses remarkable antibacterial efficacy against S. pneumoniae.
  • The findings suggest Coptis rhizome as a potential natural therapeutic agent against S. pneumoniae infections, particularly in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.
  • The lytA gene overexpression indicates autolysis as a potential mechanism contributing to the antibacterial effects of Coptis rhizome.
Keywords:
Coptis rhizomeStreptoccus pneumoniaAntimicrobial activityAutolysisBiofilm formationlytA

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