*1Ikinyom, N., 2Lamwaka, A. V., 3Malagala, A. T., and 4Ndyomugyenyi, E. K.
1Department of Environment, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
2Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
3Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
4Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
*Correspondence to: ikinyom@yahoo.co.uk & ikinyomiriam@gmail.com. Tel: +256 0772-389056
Abstract:
Background: Nutraceutical plants (NP) play a vital role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). However, there is limited scientific evidence on the efficacy of NP to justify their extensive use. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of three nutraceutical plants which are commonly used as antimicrobials.
Methodology: Leaves of Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and stem bark of Mangifera indica L. were collected from Northern Uganda. The three samples of each NP were extracted with acetone and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were determined using the serial broth microdilution technique [1]. The mean MIC values of the extracts against each bacterial species were recorded. Results: The three NP extracts were active against all the four bacteria species with MIC ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mg/ml. The extract of Cajanus cajan was very active against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the lowest recorded MIC value of 0.08 mg/ml. The extract of Mangifera indica bark was very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the lowest MIC of 0.08 mg/ml.
Conclusion: The results of the present study support the traditional use of the nutraceutical plants as antimicrobials.
Keywords: Antimicrobial, bacteria, nutraceutical plants, MIC, serial microdilution
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Antimicrobial activity of selected nutraceutical plants used in Northern Uganda