Preliminary study on the anti-bacterial activity of 2 cultivars of Acalypha wilkesiana on bacterial isolates of clinical significance
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Date
2022
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Publisher
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Anti-microbial resistance has become a major problem in clinical practice making it necessary to search for newer molecules. Acalypha wilkesiana, is a herb commonly used traditionally
in Nigeria to treat gastrointestinal disorders, wounds and skin infections like impetigo.
Objectives: To determine the in-vitro anti-bacterial activity of crude extracts of 2 cultivars of Acalypha wilkesiana (Macrophylla & Hoffmanii)
Methods: In-vitro antibacterial activity was investigated by agar diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques. Bacterial isolates tested were Escherichia coli, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Results: The ethanol extract of both cultivars were more active than the ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts having diameter zones of inhibition against all the bacteria tested at a range of 12.00-22.00 mm. The lowest MIC of the crude ethanol extract was seen with E. coli (1000 µg/ml) and S. aureus(1000 µg/ml; 2000 µg/ml) while the most active fractions (R2, R4, G3 and G4) of the crude ethanol extract of both cultivars had greatest activity against MRSAand P. aeruginosa (156 µg/ml).
Conclusion: This study shows that Acalypha wilkesiana has good broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity with the potential for development as lead compounds to combat multi-drug resistant organisms like MRSA.