Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Ethanolic Extract of Three Medicinal Plants against Bacteria causing Skin Infection

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of different diseases. The purpose of this study is to observe the antibacterial and minimum inhibitory concentration of ethanolic leaves extract of three medicinal plants (Psidium guajava, Ficus religiosa, Cardiospermum halicacabum) against gram positive (Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus species) isolated from clinical skin samples. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of plant extracts were determined by using agar well diffusion method and well plate method respectively. The plants extracts showed varied levels of antimicrobial activity against the gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The ethanolic extracts of three medicinal plants showed a broad spectrum antibacterial activity against the panel of pathogens. This study indicated clear evidence supporting the traditional use of the plants in treating skin diseases related to bacteria. The present study thus suggests the use of these medicinal plants in the treatment of various skin infections.

Keywords

• bacterial skin infection
• medicinal plants
• minimum inhibitory concentration
• streptococcus pyogenes
• escherichia coli
• proteus sp.
• psidium guajava
• ficus religiosa
• cardiospermum halicacabum.