Antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against various disease causing pathogens

Abstract The present study was aimed to manifest the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and three fungal isolates from the air such as Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Two different serotypes of S. aureus and E. coli were used. The agar well-diffusion method results showed the dose-dependent response of plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains while some organisms were found resistant e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus and R. stolonifer. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded at 17.000±1.732 mm from 100 mg/mL of leaves methanolic extracts against S. pyogenes while the activity of most of the pathogens decreased after 24 h of incubation. The highest antifungal activity was reported at 11.833±1.0 mm against A. ornatus at 50 mg/mL after 48 h of the incubation period. These experimental findings endorse the use of S. alba in ethnopharmacological formulations and suggest the use of methanolic extracts of the said plant to develop drugs to control the proliferation of resistant disease causing pathogenic microbes.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo manifestar a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de extratos metanólicos de Salix alba L. contra sete patógenos bacterianos Gram-positivos e Gram-negativos. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) e Neisseria gonorrhoeae e três isolados de fungos do ar, como Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, e Rhizopus stolonifer. Dois sorotipos diferentes de S. aureus e E. coli foram usados. Os resultados do método de difusão em ágar mostraram a resposta dependente da dose de extratos de plantas contra cepas de bactérias e fungos, enquanto alguns organismos foram considerados resistentes, e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus e R. stolonifer. A maior atividade antibacteriana foi registrada em 17.000 ± 1.732 de 100 mg/mL de extratos metanólicos de folhas contra S. pyogenes, enquanto a atividade da maioria dos patógenos diminuiu após 24 h de incubação. A maior atividade antifúngica foi relatada em 11,833 ± 1,0 contra A. ornatus a 50 mg/mL após 48 h do período de incubação. Esses achados experimentais endossam o uso de S. alba em formulações etnofarmacológicas e sugerem o uso de extratos metanólicos da referida planta para o desenvolvimento de fármacos que controlem a proliferação de doenças resistentes que causam micróbios patogênicos.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against various disease causing pathogens / Atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de extratos metanólicos de Salix alba L. contra vários patógenos que causam doenças

Abstract The present study was aimed to manifest the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and three fungal isolates from the air such as Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Two different serotypes of S. aureus and E. coli were used. The agar well-diffusion method results showed the dose-dependent response of plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains while some organisms were found resistant e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus and R. stolonifer. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded at 17.000±1.732 mm from 100 mg/mL of leaves methanolic extracts against S. pyogenes while the activity of most of the pathogens decreased after 24 h of incubation. The highest antifungal activity was reported at 11.833±1.0 mm against A. ornatus at 50 mg/mL after 48 h of the incubation period. These experimental findings endorse the use of S. alba in ethnopharmacological formulations and suggest the use of methanolic extracts of the said plant to develop drugs to control the proliferation of resistant disease causing pathogenic microbes.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo manifestar a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica de extratos metanólicos de Salix alba L. contra sete patógenos bacterianos Gram-positivos e Gram-negativos. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) e Neisseria gonorrhoeae e três isolados de fungos do ar, como Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, e Rhizopus stolonifer. Dois sorotipos diferentes de S. aureus e E. coli foram usados. Os resultados do método de difusão em ágar mostraram a resposta dependente da dose de extratos de plantas contra cepas de bactérias e fungos, enquanto alguns organismos foram considerados resistentes, e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus e R. stolonifer. A maior atividade antibacteriana foi registrada em 17.000 ± 1.732 de 100 mg/mL de extratos metanólicos de folhas contra S. pyogenes, enquanto a atividade da maioria dos patógenos diminuiu após 24 h de incubação. A maior atividade antifúngica foi relatada em 11,833 ± 1,0 contra A. ornatus a 50 mg/mL após 48 h do período de incubação. Esses achados experimentais endossam o uso de S. alba em formulações etnofarmacológicas e sugerem o uso de extratos metanólicos da referida planta para o desenvolvimento de fármacos que controlem a proliferação de doenças resistentes que causam micróbios patogênicos.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic response of the seeds of Amomum subulatum roxb and Vitex negundo.

The current study was designed to check the anthelmintic activities of some local plants. Seeds of Amomum (A.) subulatum and Vitex (V.) negundo in different solvents were subjected to in vitro (adult motility assay; AMA and egg hatch assay; EHA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) anthelmintic activity testing protocols using Haemonchus (H.) contortus as an experimental model. The results of AMA, EHA, and FECRT were statistically analysed through linear regression and Duncan multiple range test. In AMA test, at 50 mg mL-1 concentration, the percent mortality of H. contortus was higher in A. subulatum than V. negundo, whereas, in EHA test, A. subulatum was proven better ovicidal (LC50=14.2 µg mL-1) than V. negundo (LC50= 65.7405 µg mL-1). The FECRT also indicated the better efficacy of A. subulatum than V. negundo against natural infection of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The crude powder of plants used in this study showed 29.6% to 57.7% anthelmintic. The reduction rate was found higher for A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) as compared to V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Reagrding efficacy analysis of solvents used for plants extract, ethyl acetate and chloroform were found better in increasing ovicidal activity in adult worms (in vitro testing), whereas, the crude aqueous methanol was found better than the crude powders in in vivo testing. It will be beneficial to document the indigenous knowledge to standard scientific procedures for their validation. This study will help to motivate the farmers to make a better choice of cultivation of the indigenous plants because of their varying efficacies as an alternative preventive approach against the GI parasitic infections.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against various disease causing pathogens.

The present study was aimed to manifest the antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of Salix alba L. against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (1), S. aureus (2), Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli (1), E. coli (2) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and three fungal isolates from the air such as Aspergillus terreus, A. ornatus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. Two different serotypes of S. aureus and E. coli were used. The agar well-diffusion method results showed the dose-dependent response of plant extracts against bacterial and fungal strains while some organisms were found resistant e.g. E. coli (1), S. sonnei, A. terreus and R. stolonifer. The highest antibacterial activity was recorded at 17.000±1.732 mm from 100 mg/mL of leaves methanolic extracts against S. pyogenes while the activity of most of the pathogens decreased after 24 h of incubation. The highest antifungal activity was reported at 11.833±1.0 mm against A. ornatus at 50 mg/mL after 48 h of the incubation period. These experimental findings endorse the use of S. alba in ethnopharmacological formulations and suggest the use of methanolic extracts of the said plant to develop drugs to control the proliferation of resistant disease causing pathogenic microbes.

Hormonal, Histological, and Comparative Study of the Effect of Pure Ginseng on Testicular Function in the Breeding/Non-Breeding Season of Rams in Basrah.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the administration of powdered Panax ginseng as a dietary supplement on testosterone concentration, spermatogenesis stimulating hormone, interstitial cell-stimulating hormone levels, sperms morphological characteristics, testis histological traits, and testicular size in the breeding and non-breeding season in adult rams. In total, 20 adult rams were included and randomly divided into three groups. The first group of adult rams (n=8) was subdivided into two subgroups of four rams (Sub-G1-B and Sub-G2-B). TheSub-G1-B and Sub-G2-B were fed 2 and 5 g of P. ginseng once a day, respectively, for 90 days during the breeding season. The second group of adult rams (n=8) was subdivided into two subgroups of four rams (Sub-G1-NB and Sub-G2-NB). The Sub-G1-NB and Sub-G2-NB were fed 2 and 5 g of P. ginseng once a day, respectively, for 90 days during the non-breeding season. The third group of adult rams (n=4) was considered the control group two times (in and out of the season). The results showed that the testosterone concentration and gonad protective and interstitial cell-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in both the experimental groups that received ginseng supplementation, compared to the control group in and out of the breeding season. The evaluation of sperm morphometric parameters, such as total sperm count, total motility, and progressive motility, showed superiority in improving the above-mentioned parameters. However, the total immotile sperms and non-progressive sperms underwent a significant decrease (P<0.05) in both experimental groups of ginseng supplemented, compared to the control group in and out of season. The angiogenesis of the seminiferous tubules increased significantly (P<0.05) in both experimental groups. Through a microscopic examination, the recorded data showed a significant increase in the population of spermatogonial stem cells as well as primary and secondary spermatocytes in both experimental groups. Values of testicular diameter showed a significant increase (P<0.05) after a period of 75 and 90 days following the initiation of treatments in both experimental groups, compared to the control group in and out of the season. It can be concluded that P. ginseng has some beneficial effects on the antioxidant status of the semen, the morphometric parameters, and other critical traits of sperm and testicles which are the important factors in male fertility.

Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Holy Basil) ethanolic leaf extract protects against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and imbalance in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of ethanolic Ocimum sanctum leaf extract against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and imbalance in xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Four different concentrations of ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg of body weight) were administered to Wistar rats by intragastric intubation for five consecutive days followed by intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (35 mg/kg of body weight) 90 minutes after the final dose of the extract. Administration of DMBA increased bone marrow micronuclei, phase I enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl formation. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in the activities of phase II detoxification enzymes and antioxidants in the liver, erythrocytes, and bone marrow. Pretreatment with ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract at a concentration of 300 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced micronuclei formation and phase I enzymes as well as lipid and protein oxidation with enhanced antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities. The results of the present study suggest that ethanolic O. sanctum leaf extract inhibits DMBA-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress by modulating xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, reducing the extent of lipid and protein oxidation and up-regulating antioxidant defenses.

Treatment of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis due to multi-resistant Gram-positive bacteria with linezolid.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical experience with linezolid in the treatment of infective endocarditis either alone or in combination with other agents is limited. We describe our experience in the treatment of two patients with IE due to multi-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. METHODS: One patient with MRSE and one with VRE endocarditis were treated with regimens containing linezolid. The killing kinetics of linezolid in combination with gentamicin or vancomycin against isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis were analysed in vitro. RESULTS: Clinical response and eradication of bacteraemia was achieved with linezolid therapy in both patients. Time-kill curve studies showed that linezolid was bacteriostatic against the MRSE and VRE isolates used. Combination with gentamicin or vancomycin did not produce synergy or antagonism but at best only marginal additive effect. CONCLUSIONS: Although bacteriostatic, linezolid provides an important therapeutic option in IE due to multi-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. It challenges the conventional wisdom that bactericidal synergy is required for the effective treatment of most cases of IE due to Gram-positive organisms.

Phytotoxicity and ultrastructural effects of gymnopusin from the orchid Maxillaria densa on duckweed (Lemna pausicostata) frond and root tissues.

Two phenanthrene derivatives, characterized as erianthridin (9,10-dihydro-2,7-dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene) and gymnopusin (2,7-dihydroxy-3,4,9-trimethoxyphenanthrene), were isolated from an extract of the orchid Maxillaria densa, using phytotoxicity with amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) to guide fractionation. Gymnopusin and erianthridin inhibited radicle elongation of A. hypochondriacus seedlings with IC(50) values of 330 and 58.2 microM, respectively. The phytoxicity of the two phenanthrene derivatives was also assessed on duckweed (Lemna pausicostata), and compared with mammalian toxicity estimated in vitro with four mammalian cell lines. On duckweed, both phenanthrene derivatives caused electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll loss and photobleaching. Ultrastructural examination of duckweed frond and root tissues treated with gymnopusin (100 microM) revealed membrane damage to the tonoplast after 12 h of exposure. Effects on membrane integrity followed a time course similar to that of electrolyte leakage. Both phenanthrene derivatives exhibited moderate cytotoxicity to all mammalian cells tested, which precludes their use as a bioherbicide.

Fumonisin B1 from the fungus Fusarium moniliforme causes contact toxicity in plants: evidence from studies with biosynthetically labeled toxin.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most abundant of a series of sphingosine analog mycotoxins produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, a ubiquitous contaminant of stored corn (maize) worldwide. FB1 exhibits a variety of biological activities including phytotoxicity, which is of particular interest for its potential role as a virulence factor to facilitate invasion of plant tissues by the fungus. Droplets of FB1 solution applied to the leaf surface of jimsonweed, black nightshade, and susceptible tomatoes caused necrosis, growth inhibition, and death. With Arabidopsis thaliana grown on agar plates, an IC50 (concentration causing half maximal phytotoxicity) of less than 1 ppm was observed. [3H]FB1 was prepared by biosynthetic incorporation of commercially-available radiolabeled presumptive precursors into the toxin in rice medium solid cultures of F. moniliforme JW#1. The labeled toxin produced by incorporation of [9,10-3H]palmitate induced phytotoxic symptoms identical to unlabeled material, indicating it had full biological activity. The area of necrosis on treated leaves was similar in light and dark treated plants. Using liquid scintillation counting to quantify radioactivity in excised plant parts, over 95% of the [3H]FB1 radioactivity applied to leaves of light or dark-treated plants was recovered from the treated leaf. When [3H]FB1 was applied to a wound site on target plants, severe damage occurred at the site of FB1 application and in tissue above the site. These results indicate that FB1 applied to intact surfaces of target plants exhibits primarily contact activity. Translocation of FB1 is limited, occurring only when FB1 is applied to a wound site, and it results in damage to tissue above the point of application, indicating that FB1 is xylem mobile.

Biological activities of fumonisins, mycotoxins from Fusarium moniliforme, in jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) and mammalian cell cultures.

Fumonisins A1, A2, B1, B2 and B3 are a series of mycotoxins produced by strains of Fusarium moniliforme. Fumonisins are hydroxylated long-chain alkylamines esterified with propanetricarboxylic acid moieties that represent approximately half the mol. wt of the toxins. The A-series fumonisins are N-acetylated, whereas the B series contains free amino groups. Hydrolytic removal of the propanetricarboxylic acid moieties from fumonisins B1 and B2 yields the corresponding aminopentols, AP1 and AP2, respectively. These compounds were tested for toxicity on widely differing bioassay systems, representing plant and animal systems. The plant bioassay system employed jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) leaves and leaf discs in which toxicity was detected as electrolyte leakage, photobleaching and quantitation of chlorophyll reduction. The animal bioassay system employed cultured mammalian cell lines in which toxicity was detected as inhibition of cell proliferation. Fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 at 50 micrograms/ml or less were effective toxins after exposure periods greater than 24 hr in all plant and animal bioassay systems examined, except 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, whereas fumonisins A1 and A2 exhibited little or no activity. However, the hydrolytic degradation products AP1 and AP2 exhibited toxicity similar to or greater than B-series fumonisins in all test systems, including substantial toxicity to 3T3 mouse fibroblasts.