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Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia macroptera root
O Silva1, A Duarte, M Pimentel
1Laboratório de Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Terminalia macroptera root extract shows antimicrobial activity, particularly against Shigella dysenteriae and Vibrio cholerae. This West African medicinal plant holds potential for treating enteric diseases, especially Campylobacter infections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
- Microbiology
Background:
- Terminalia macroptera is a traditional West African medicinal plant used for infectious diseases.
- Its efficacy against various pathogens needs scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Terminalia macroptera ethanol extract and its fractions.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against key enteric bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Twofold serial microdilution assay against reference bacterial strains and Candida albicans.
- MIC determination for clinical isolates of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae.
Main Results:
- The extract and fractions exhibited antimicrobial activity, with notable efficacy against Shigella dysenteriae and Vibrio cholerae.
- Terminalia macroptera ethanol extract showed significant activity against Campylobacter strains, comparable to co-trimoxazole.
Conclusions:
- Ellagitannins are identified as major active compounds in Terminalia macroptera.
- The study supports the medicinal plant's potential in treating enteric diseases, especially Campylobacter infections.