Abstract: Background: In order to validate its antiseptic and anticancer properties with respect to traditional uses, we have screened for the first time the antimicrobial activity of aerial parts of M. vulgare L. essential oil against different pathogenic microorganisms and the cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell lines. Methods: The agar disk diffusion method was used to study the antibacterial activity of M. vulgare essential oil against 12 bacterial and 4 fungi strains. The disc diameters of zone of inhibition (DD), the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the concentration inhibiting 50% (IC50) were investigated to characterize the antimicrobial activities of this essential oil. The in vitro cytotoxicity of M. vulgare essential oil was examined using a modified MTT assay; the viability and the IC50 were used to evaluate this test. Results: The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was investigated in order to evaluate its efficacy against the different tested microorganisms. The present results results showed a significant activity against microorganisms especially Gram (+) bacteria with inhibition zones and minimal inhibitory concentration values in the range of 6.6-25.2 mm and 1120-2600 μg/ml, respectively, whereas Gram (-) bacteria exhibited a higher resistance. As far as the antifungal activity, among four strains tested, Botrytis cinerea exhibited the strongest activity with inhibition zones of 12.6 mm. However, Fusarium solani, Penicillium digitatum and Aspergillus niger were less sensitive to M. vulgare essential oil. About the citotoxicity assay, this finding indicate the capability of this essential oil to inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cell lines under some conditions with IC50 value of 0.258 μg/ml. Conclusion: This investigation showed that the M. vulgare essential oil has a potent antimicrobial activity against some Gram (+) pathogenic bacteria and Botrytis cinerea fungi. The present studies confirm the use of this essential oil as anticancer agent. Further research is required to evaluate the practical values of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: In vitro antibacterial activity of methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts of raw and processed honey was tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi). Both types of honey showed antibacterial activity against tested organisms with the zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 6.94 to 37.94 mm, while E. coli, S. typhi, and P. aeruginosa showed that sensibility towards all the extracts with ZOI ranges between 13.09 to 37.94 mm. The methanol extract showed more potent activity than other organic extracts. Gram-negative bacteria were found to be more susceptible as compared to Gram-positive bacteria except E. faecalis. The broth microdilution assay gave minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) value of 625 μg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranges between 625 μg/mL 2500 μg/mL. The study showed that honey has antibacterial activity (bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect), similar to antibiotics, against test organisms and provides alternative therapy against certain bacteria.

Abstract: Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts from eight different seaweeds collected from the red sea Hurghada, Egypt (June, 2009) were screened for their antibacterial activities against both gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus NCIMB 50080 and Bacillus cereus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli NCIMB 50034, Enterococcus feacalisNCIMB 50030, Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonase aeruginosa). The antibacterial activities were expressed as zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The seaweeds belong to Phaeophyaceae (Cystoesira myrica, Cystoesira trinodis, Padina gymnospora, Sargassum dentifolium and Sargassum hystrix); Rhodophaceae (Actinotrichia fragilis) and Chlorophyceae (Caulerpa racemosa and Codium fragile). Ethyl acetate extracts of C. racemosa, C. fragile and P. gymnospora; methanolic extracts of P. gymnospora and C. fragile showed higher antibacterial activities than other members of the tested algae. The most resistant bacteria was E. feacalis against both solvents extracts of S. dentifolium, C. myrica and A. fragilis while, Salmonella sp. and P. aeruginosa were resistant to methanolic extracts of C. racemosa, S. dentifolium and A. fragilis. On the other hand, B. cereus, S. aureus and E. coli were the most sensitive to all seaweed extracts. Our conclusion confirmed that susceptibility of gram positive bacteria to the algal extracts (zone of inhibition up to 19 mm) was more than those of gram negative bacteria (zone of inhibition up to 14 mm). The activities of ethyl acetate extracts were higher than those of methanolic extracts and the most powerful inhibitory extract was ethyl acetate extract of C. racemosa. Key word: Antibacterial, ethyl acetate extracts, marine algae, methanolic extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration, seaweeds.

Abstract: Aims: Considering the agronomic and industrial damage that is caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, as well as the serious health risks it poses to humans and animals exposed to F. graminearum-produced mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), this study evaluated the ability of different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to inhibit fungal development and remove DON in vitro. Methods and Results: The antagonistic effects of strains and commercial cultures of LAB were evaluated against F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 by the agar diffusion method. Additionally, the influence of the culture media, pH and the presence of lactic and acetic acid on these effects was tested. The capacity to remove DON by viable cells and heat-inactivated cells was analysed in liquid media and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All isolated strains and commercial cultures inhibited the fungus and removed DON. The pH and culture media concentration did not influence these abilities, but heat inactivation had a strong effect on the ability of bacteria to remove mycotoxin. Conclusions: The isolated bacteria are able to inhibit F. graminearum growth and remove DON in vitro. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study suggests potential application of the isolated LAB strains in the inhibition of F. graminearum IAPAR 2218 and DON removal in vitro.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi from the stem tissue which can produce fragrant ingredients in Aquilaria sinensis (also called agarwood) to determine their antitumor and antimicrobial activities. Twenty-eight fungal endophytes were isolated from agarwood by strict sterile sample preparation and were classified into 14 genera and 4 taxonomic classes (Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Zygomycetes) based on molecular identification. Of the 28 isolates, 13 (46.4%) showed antimicrobial activity against at least one of the test strains by the agar well diffusion method, and 23 isolates (82.1%) displayed antitumor activity against at least one of five cancer cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The diameters of inhibition zones of YNAS07, YNAS14, HNAS04, HNAS05, HNAS08, and HNAS11 were equal to or higher than 14.0 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, B. subtilis, Aspergillus fumigatus, and B. subtilis, respectively. The inhibition rates of YNAS06, YNAS08, and HNAS06 were not less than 60% to 293-T, 293-T, and SKVO3 cells, respectively. These results suggest that the endophytic fungi associated with agarwood will provide us with not only useful micro-ecological information, but also potential antimicrobial and antitumor agents.

Abstract: This study investigated the comparative effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and some antibiotics on two pathogenic bacteria. The plant extracts were prepared by weighing the plant leaves and root (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 g) into 100 mls of water and ethanol (at g/100 ml) and grounded to determine the extract concentrations. Serial dilutions of the antibiotics used were prepared to determine the various antibiotic concentrations. The results obtained showed that ginger extract of both the plant and root showed the highest antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes while the three antibiotics used (chloramphenicol, ampicillin and tetracycline) were also active but at less extent compared to ginger extract. The concentration of the plant extract had significant effect on the zone of inhibition on both organisms. The concentration of the three antibiotics had significant effect on the zone of inhibition for both organisms. This result showed that ethanol extracts of ginger both leaf and root can be used alongside conventional antibiotics to fight agents of infections that are so prevalent in the hospitals. Key words: Ginger, zone of inhibition, extract, antibacterial.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to screen the antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from surface sterilized leaves and small branches of Garcinia mangostana plant found in Indonesia. The crude extracts of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) of the 24 fermentation broths from 24 endophytic fungi were tested for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028 and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 10240), by the agar diffusion method. The result showed that 10 of the 24 isolates (41.6%) exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one pathogenic microorganism. Isolate RGM-02 displayed the strongest antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the crude ethyl acetate extracts of isolate RGM-02, inhibited S. aureus (MIC 25 μg/ml), B. subtilis (MIC 50 μg/ml), M. luteus (MIC 25 μg/ml), E. coli (MIC 200 μg/ml), S. typhi (MIC 200 μg/ml) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 100 μg/ml), respectively. The molecular identification revealed that the isolate RGM-02 represented Microdiplodia hawaiiensis CZ315. This study shows that endophytes of ethno medicinal plants could be a good source of antibacterial substances. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, antibacterial agents, Garcinia mangostana , molecular identification

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, the antibacterial and toxicological profile of the methanolic extract of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl. (MExSb). The phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu methodology and the flavonoids content by complexation with chloride aluminum. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity was tested by agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The toxicological profile was obtained using tests with larvae of Artemia salina Leach. High levels of phenolic compounds (825.65 ± 40.99 tannic acid equivalents in mg/g material) were found in MExSb, where 55 and 1.8% (in g/100 g dry weight of extract) of these corresponded to tannins and flavonoids, respectively. The MExSb showed high antioxidant capacity (EC50 8.80 ± 0.94 µg.mlE‰¹). Also a high antimicrobial activity was observed, particularly against strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with MIC of 125 and 62.5 µg.mlE‰¹, respectively. Finally, the MExSb showed moderate toxicity against A. salina. These findings allow concluding that the MExSb is a valuable source of molecules with antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. Other studies, such as identification and quantification of major active components of MExSb are running and will evaluate the potential of the isolated compounds. Key words: Artemia salina, “barauna”, brine shrimp assay, DPPH, MIC, multidrug resistance, phenolic compounds.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity of extracts of certain herbs including Acacia modesta (leaf and stem), Artimisia absinthium (leaf and stem), Nigella sativa (seeds) and Saussurea lappa (root) was evaluated against three Gram positive and two Gram negative microorganisms. The Gram positive organisms included Bacillus subtalis (ATCC 6633), Entereococcus faecalis (ATCC 14506) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and the Gram negative organisms included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028). Methanolic, hot water and cold water extracts of these plants were taken for antibacterial assay through Discs agar diffusion technique using commercial filter paper discs applied on inoculated Muellar Hinton agar plates. The objective of this study was to explore the curative powers of these herbs that exist in nature as a tool to counter disease causing agents. The maximum zone of inhibition of 18 mm of methanolic extract of N. sativa was observed against B. subtalis and S. aureus. Similarly, the maximum zone of inhibition of 18 mm of cold water extract of N. sativa against S. aureus and methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also observed. The antibacterial action was compared with the effect of ceftriaxone, ceftriaxone sodium, cefuroxine, ciprofloxacin, gentamycine, levofloxacin, metronidazole and tranexamic acid that were used as standered drugs. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that plant extracts of A. modesta, A. absinthium, N. sativa and Saussurea lappa have a stronger and broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity against a number of food borne bacteria.

Abstract: The alkaloid rich fraction obtained from various parts of Prosopis juliflora were assessed for their antibacterial property using disc diffusion method on several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains like E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Psuedomonas putida, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Acinetobacter and Alcaligen. Strong antibacterial effect was shown by leaf, pod and flower extract, with MIC value ranging between 25µg/ml-100µg/ml. The extracts of leaves showed highest activity among all the plant parts. Klebsiella was found to be the most susceptible bacteria, whereas Acinetobacter and Alcaligen were the least susceptible. A comparison of zone of inhibition created by alkaloid rich fractions with that of standard antibiotics, ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, oflaxacin, refampin, streptomycin and sulfa drug showed a comparable zone of inhibition. Growth of Acinetobacter and Alcaligen which were not inhibited by antibiotics, showed inhibition by the alkaloidal extracts, similarly a known ampicillin resistant E.coli strain was found to be inhibited by the plant extracts. Alkaloids present in the extracts were analysed by DART-MS. DART-MS analysis of the alkaloid rich fractions showed the presence of piperidine alkaloids.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the in vitro effects of ginger and honey on micro-organisms on carious teeth by employing antibiotic sensitivity test. Methods Two hundred and fifty (250) extracted, carious teeth were aseptically collected into sterile peptone water. Bacterial species were isolated from the peptone water broth, characterized and identified according to standard methods described in the Manual of Clinical Microbiology. Aqueous ginger extract and honey were employed for sensitivity test. Suspensions of the bacterial isolates were made in sterile normal saline and adjusted to the 0.5 McFarland's standard. Each Mueller Hinton (MH) agar plate was uniformly seeded by means of sterile swab dipped in the suspension and streaked on the agar plate surface, and the plates left on the bench for excess fluid to be absorbed. Approximately 100 μL of the extracts were dropped into each well which filled them respectively to fullness. The setup was allowed to stabilize for 3 h before being incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. The mean zones of inhibition were thereafter measured in mm, for all the individual isolates. Results Streptococcus mutans (88.0%) and Lactobacillus acidophilus ( L. acidophilus ) (39.0%) were most prevalent as compared with other isolates. The diameter of the zone of inhibition ranged from (18.0 ± 0.5) mm to (27.0 ± 1.0) mm for ginger and (20.0 ± 0.5) mm to (27.0 ± 0.7) mm for honey, as compared with (18.0 ± 0.7) mm to (23.0 ± 0.5) mm for gentamycin, at the various concentrations used. Results indicate a considerable antibacterial activity of ginger and honey. The combined extracts were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus (30.0.0 ± 1.5) mm but least effective against L. acidophilus (21.0 ± 0.7) mm. Conclusions For the prevention of the emergence of resistant microorganisms, use of combination of herbal preparations is more useful. Considering in vitro data obtained in this study, there is a significant synergistic effect of antimicrobial activity from the combination of ginger and honey, against isolates from carious teeth.

Abstract: An experiment was carried out to study the antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, ethanol, chloroform, n- hexane and water extracts of Centella asiatica herb by agar well diffusion assay. The tested bacterial strains were Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and fungal strains were Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Zone of inhibition produced by different extracts against the selected strains was measured and compared with standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin (10µg) and ketocanozole (10µg). The present study demonstrated that the petroleum ether, ethanol and chloroform extracts of Centella asiatica have higher antimicrobial activities (average 12-19 mm zone of inhibition) than n-hexane and water extracts (average 8-14 mm zone of inhibition) whereas n-hexane extract showed no activity against E. coli. All the extracts showed better results against the tested fungal strains comparing with ketocanozole (10µg). The results obtained in the present study suggest that the different extracts of Centella asiatica revealed a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal herbal formulations.

Abstract: The antibacterial activity of the n-hexane, acetone/dichloromethane, ethanol and aqueous extracts of twelve common medicinal plants from the Philippines obtained through pounding and solvent extraction was evaluated using disc Agar diffusion. The microorganisms tested were: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Susceptibility test results showed that different extracts (1000 mcg/disc) from ten plants inhibited growth with a mean zone of inhibition range of 15 to 30 mm against S. aureus, E. coii, and P. aeruginosa. The common medicinal plants which showed highly positive activity were Psidium guajava (guava), Eucalyptus globulus, Mangifera indica(Indian mango), Nasturtium officinale (Watercress), Pterygospermum oleiferum (Moringa),Carmona retusa (Wild tea), Citrus aurantifolia (Lemon), Citrus sinensis (Orange), Allium sativum (garlic), and Allium cepa (onion). Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glucosides, saponins and steroids/terpenes. The results suggest that the different plant extracts contain bioactive constituent(s) particularly tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and other glycosides with very strong antibacterial activity and validates the ethno-medical use in the treatment of bacterial skin diseases and other forms of bacterial infections. However, many reputed plant antibacterials have very variable activities depending on certain conditions. Key words: Antibacterial, medicinal plants from the Philippines, n-hexane, acetone/dichloromethane, ethanol, aqueous extracts, Psidium guajava, preliminary phytochemical screening.

Abstract: Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oils of garlic, clove and cinnamon were estimated by using various bacterial pathogens. Among the bacterial pathogens tested against essential oil of garlic, Staphylococcus aureus was found to be highly sensitive followed by E.coli. L.monocytogenes and S.pyogenes were found to be less sensitive. The essential oil of clove was found to be most active against S.aureus followed by E. coli. B.cereus and C. jejuni. The essential oil of cinnamon was also most active against S.aureus followed by E.coli and C.jejuni. Essential oil of cinnamon was found to be active against all the bacterial pathogens tested, when compared to garlic and clove oils. However Staph. aureus, E. coli and C.jejuni were found to be most sensitive to the action of essential oils of garlic, clove and cinnamon. Among the bacterial pathogens tested against essential oils of spices to know the MIC by agar diffusion method, C.jejuni was found to be most sensitive to the essential oil of garlic followed by E.coli, S. typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. L. monocytogenes and Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus were found to be comparatively less sensitive. Essential oil of clove was also found to be highly effective against C.jejuni followed by E.coli, S.typhimurium and S.aureus. Again L.monocytogenes and Methicillin resistant S.aureus were comparatively less sensitive to the action of essential oil of clove. All most all the bacterial pathogens tested were found to be sensitive to the essential oil of cinnamon. However C.jejuni and E.coli were found to be most sensitive followed by S.typhimurium, Staph. aureus and Methicillin resistant Staph. aureus .

Abstract: Phyllanthus emblica (L) has been used for the anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic treatments by the rural population. P. emblica has been used for the treatment of several disorders such as the Scurvy, Cancer and Heart diseases. Based on the traditional knowledge about the plant, present study was conducted. To evaluate the scientific basis for the use of plant, the antimicrobial activities of the extracts at different doses (10mg and 20mg/ml) of the leaves and fruits were evaluated against some common pathogenic bacteria using agar disc diffusion method. Gram positive bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis gram negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli were used and antimicrobial activity of the concentrated extracts was evaluated by the diameter zone of inhibition against the above microorganisms. Plant extracts were active against both gram positive, gram negative Bacteria. The above observation indicates that, P. emblica has broad spectrum antibacterial activity and a potential source of new classes of antibiotics that could be useful for infectious disease chemotherapy and control. The study also conducted on the isolation of the chemical constituents present in the plant. The Phytochemical constituents of the dried powdered plant fruits and leaves were extracted using aqueous and organic solvents, results revealed the presence of alkaloids, oil, fat, glyceroids, carbohydrates, Phenolics, Tannins, lignin, saponins, flavonoids and Terpinoids etc.

Abstract: Propolis has traditionally been used in curing infections and healing wounds and burns. Current researches have shown that propolis has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral actions however, the pharmacological activity of propolis is highly variable depending on its geographic origin. There have been few studies on the effects of Iranian propolis on the oral microorganisms. In this in-vitro study, the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic and water extracts of the Iranian propolis (10%, w/v) from north-east area of Tehran was evaluated. Susceptibility of the oral strains tested (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 35668; Streptococcus salivarius ATCC 9222; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923; Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 9854 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 39392) was evaluated using the agar diffusion method at a concentration of 20 mg/mL of propolis and the zones of growth inhibition were measured. Antibacterial activity was determined by using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at different concentrations of propolis. The ethanolic extract showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against all the strains, with MIC and MBC ranges of 250-500 µg/mL. The MIC concentration of the water extract was 500 µg/mL against S. mutans and E. faecalis. The water extract showed bactericidal activity only against S. mutans (20 mg/mL). These results indicate that the ethanolic extract is probably more useful in the control of oral biofilms and subsequent dental caries development. However, to determine the consequence of the ethanolic extract of Iranian propolis on the oral mucosa, in-vivo studies of its possible effects are needed.

Abstract: Current investigation has been carried out to evaluate antimicrobial potential of an indigenous medicinal herb Rubus fruticosus fruit, leaves, root and stem. Crude methanolic extracts were screened against eight bacterial strains for example Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhi , Streptococcus aureus , Proteus mirabilis , Micrococcus luteus , Citrobacter , Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Kirby-Bauer method. Leaves showed zone of inhibition at minimum dose level, root extract has comparable results to the standard Ampicillin applied. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against bacteria were determined, the stem extract has 20 µg against all strains tested, the rest has different MIC values against different strains. The order of potency on MIC basis is stem> root> leaves> fruit. The antifungal activity were monitored against nine pathogenic fungal strains, Aspergilus parasiticus , Aspergilus niger , Yersinia aldovae , Candida albicans, Aspergillus effusus , Fusarium solani , Macrophomina phaseolina , Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Trichophyton rubrum , but there is no significant antifungal activity.

Abstract: In the present investigation, the combinatorial inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles impregnated with four broad spectrum antibiotics namely amoxicillin, chloremphenicol, erythromycin and rifamycin against four major pathogens was analysed. For studying the antimicrobial activity, a technique based analysis was performed by disk diffusion method and by agar over layer method (Bioautography). It was observed that silver nanoparticles (10 µg) showed potential zone of inhibition in similar with the effects of antibiotics (10 µg). Rather, when given together (0.5 µg each), an enhanced antibacterial activity depicting the inhibition zone (2 - 4 mm increase in diameter) was reported against certain pathogenic strains, Bacillus cereus (40 mm), Bacillus subtilis (28 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniea (24 mm) and Vibrio cholerae (20 mm). From this experimental analysis, rifamycin (antibiotic) offering maximum inhibitory effect, was separated by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Bioautography (agar over layer method), a novel approach for studying the antimicrobial bahaviour of silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles impregnated with antibiotics was established. Two zones representing two reference points (black zone at loading point and red zone at separation point)) formed by agar over layer method indicates the zone of inhibtion produced by the silver nanoparticle and antibiotics respectively.

Abstract: In this study, different strains were isolated from the fermented milk in Vellore and were subjected to preliminary screening and 45 isolates were obtained and it was characterized and examined for the presence of probiotic properties like cholesterol assimilation, exopolysaccride production and antibiotic resistance. The cholesterol assimilation ranged from 28-83%, which is significantly highest and observed for the first time, and exopolysaccride varied from 16-89%. Further, resistance to 8 commonly used antibiotics $-lactans (penicillin, ampicilin), gram positive spectrum (vanomycin), broad spectrum (rifampin, trimethoprim) and aminogycosides (kanamycin, streptomycin, and bacitracin) was assessed by disk diffusion method. Among the selected 45 strains, 20, 20, 60, 70, 90 and 100% were found to be exhibiting a significant degree of resistance to kanamycin, trimetroprim, rifampicin, kanamycin, amphicilin and penicillin respectively. However, all strains were resistant to penicillin and 90% were resistant to ampicillin. Usually all Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were susceptible to $-lactum antibiotics but our isolates showed resistance which is contrary and new information to the previous investigation. Based on the above characters 7 isolates were considered to be best for probiotic applications. The strains thus obtained are under investigation for further studies.

Abstract: The methanolic, hot water and cold water extracts of Pistacia Integerrima (gall),Polygonum Bistorta (root), Swetia Charita (stem) and Zingiber officinale (root) were screened against gram positive bacteria like Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633),Entereococcus faecalis (ATCC 14506) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), and gram negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Salmonellatyphi (ATCC 14028) for their antibacterial efficiency. Discs agar diffusion technique was used. The maximum zone of inhibition of 19 mm of methanolic extract of Zingiberofficinale was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, while the maximum zone of inhibition of 15 mm of cold water extract of Zingiber officinale against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 15 mm of cold water extract of Swetia Charita against Bacillus subtiliswere observed. Standard drugs with antibiotic action like ceftriaxone, ceftriaxone sodium, cefuroxine, ciprofloxacin, gentamycine, levofloxacin, metronidazole and tranexamic acid were also used against these bacteria and compared their results with that of the plants extracts. Key words: Pistacia integerrima, Polygonum bistorta, Swetia charita, Zingiber officinale, antimicrobial activity, extract.

Abstract: The bacterial resistance profile was studied in several disorders affecting dogs and cats treated at the Small Animals Surgical Clinics Division of Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Estadual de Londrina. The disorders etiologic agents recovered were identified and Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent (27.6%), followed by Pseudomonas spp. (22.7%) and Escherichia coli (16.6%). In the antimicrobial susceptibility test using agar diffusion method, there was a high percentage of resistance to main antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, especially of Gram negative bacteria, which showed over 66% resistance to the antibiotics tested, except for norfloxacin. In wounds, only gentamicin and amikacin had resistance rates less than 50.0%. In otological disorders, less resistance to norfloxacin and higher to neomycin, and lower rates of resistance in Gram positive bacteria were observed. In the orthopedic cases, the Gram positive bacteria showed higher resistance to ciprofloxacin, and in peritonitis was found 100% resistance to various antibiotics. This study emphasizes the importance of bacterial identification and implementation of testing of susceptibility to antibiotics to choose the appropriate antimicrobial agent in the treatment of the major diseases seen in this field of small animal veterinary medicine.

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate antimicrobial properties of ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Nephelium lappaceum, Curcuma longa, Cinnamomun cassia, Durio zibethinus, Vitex trifolia, Amaranthus tricolor, Syzygium samarangense and Manihot esculenta. Antibacterial properties of the extracts were studied against fifteen strains of different gram positive and gram negative pathogenic bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio para, and Escherichia coli using the agar disk diffusion method. Among the tested extracts, only Amaranthus tricolor exhibited specific inhibition of one of the tested bacteria; Bacillus cereus. Using the microdilution method, its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was determined to be 20 mg/mL.

Abstract: The essential oil of the leaves of Psidium guajava grown at Ujjain M.P. (India) was isolated and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The components of the essential oil were identified by comparing their retention indices and mass spectra fragmentation patterns with those stored on the MScomputer library and also from the published literatures. The present study describes the phytochemical profile and anti-microbial activity of essential oil of P. guajava. Furthermore, anti-microbial activity of oil was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The anti-microbial test results showed that the oil had a potential anti-microbial activity against all twelve Gram+ ve and Gram-ve bacterial strains such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptoccocus faecalis, Bacillus subtillis, Lactobacillus spp ., Enterococcus aerogenes, Acinetobacter spp. (Gram Positive) and Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgari, Enterobacter aerogenes , Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginoso, Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram Nagative) . Essential oil showed maximum zone of inhibition and minimal inhibition concentration against Bacillus subtillus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. These results permitted the conclusion to be made that, it is the first report of the GCMS analysis and anti-microbial activity on a P. guajava., a naturally growing species from Malva Region of India.

Abstract: Ludwigia abyssinica and Ludwigia decurrens are two plant species of the genus Ludwigiaused traditionally for the treatment of various skin, gastrointestinal, wound and bone joint disorders in Nigeria. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of extracts from the leaves of both plants against clinically important species of bacteria and fungi were examined. The two plant species produced activities with absolute similarity. The n-butanol extract was the most potent with maximum zone of inhibition (32.0 mm) followed by the ethyl acetate extract (12.0 to 31.0 mm) amongst other extracts (aqueous, dichloromethane and n-hexane). The n-butanol extract exhibited broad spectrum activity against all test bacteria and fungi and compared favourably with standard reference drugs – ampicillin, streptomycin and amphotericin B. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) exhibited by both n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts against test bacteria species ranged between 0.625 to 5.0 mg ml-1 and 1.25 to 5.0 mg ml-1, respectively. The killing rate of the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of n-butanol extract of L. abyssinica on Escherichia coliwas about 99.3% in 120 min while it was about 98.2% for Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemical screening of crude extracts from the leaves of L. abyssinica and L. decurrens revealed the presence of only alkaloids and tannins. This study establishes the effective ethnomedicinal use of these plants in the treatment of various infectious diseases. There is high potential for the exploitation of the plants for development of new, novel antimicrobial agents. Key words: Ludwigia abyssinica, Ludwigia decurrens, Onagraceae, antibacterial, antifungal, phytochemical constituent.

Abstract: Adenanthera pavonina L. syn. Red Sandalwood, (Fabaceae) is an unarmed deciduous tree and its bark is traditionally used for treatment of various disease conditions in gonorrhea, haematuria, ulcers, it is astringent, vulnerary and aphrodisiac in nature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of solvent extracts of Adenanthera pavonina bark. Antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of Adenanthera pavonina bark were tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains by observing the zone of inhibition. The bacteria used in the study were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Enterbacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Salmonella typhimurium. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts showed the highest activity against all the tested bacteria. These results were compared with the Zones of inhibition produced by commercially available standard antibiotics .The inhibitory effects of extracts are higher or very close and comparable with the standard antibiotics used.

Abstract: The present study deals with the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous, acetone and petroleum ether extracts of the leaves, stem and root of Andrographis ovata Clarke, Aristolochia indica L., Eclipta prostrata L. and Gloriosa superba L., using agar diffusion method against human pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Psudeomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the present investigation, all the extracts were found to be effective against four human bacterial species, E. coli, P. vulgaris, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, sensitive to all the plant extracts. The study suggests that the extract of the plant parts possesses potential broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of acetone extracts was found to be higher than that of distilled water extracts. However, the root extract showed more inhibitory effect than the stem and leaf extracts. Key words: Medicinal plants, antimicrobial activity, plant extracts, growth inhibition, disc diffusion method.