Abstract: Objective To demonstrate the in vitro antibacterial properties of five essential oils against ten bacterial strains and study the synergistic effect of the combination of essential oils with standard antibiotics. Methods Origanum compactum, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Thymus willdenowii Boiss, Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana L. were used alone and combined used with standard antibiotics to evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The disk diffusion method was employed. Results The results showed that the combined application of the essential oils of the plants with antibiotics led to a synergistic effect in some cases, but antagonistic effect was also observed in some bacteria. Conclusions This study shows that the combination of essential oils of the five plants with antibiotics may be useful in the fight against emerging microbial drug resistance.

Abstract: The administration of antimicrobials in aquaculture provides a selective pressure creating a reservoir of multiple resistant bacteria in the cultured fish and shrimps as well as the aquaculture environment. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture products and aquaculture’s surrounding environment in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Ninety-four identified bacterial isolates constituted of 17 genera were isolated from sediment, water, and cultured organisms (fish and shrimp) in selected aquaculture farms. These isolates were tested for their antibiotic resistance against 22 antibiotics from several groups using the disk diffusion method. The results show that the highest resistance was observed towards streptomycin (85%, ), while the lowest resistance was towards gentamicin (1.1%, ). The multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR) index of the isolates tested ranged between 0 and 0.63. It was suggested that isolates with MAR index > 0.2 were recovered from sources with high risk of antibiotic resistant contamination. This study revealed low level of antibiotic resistance in the aquaculture bacterial isolates except for streptomycin and ampicillin (>50% resistance, ) which have been used in the aquaculture industry for several decades. Antibiotic resistant patterns should be continuously monitored to predict the emergence and widespread of MAR. Effective action is needed to keep the new resistance from further developing and spreading.

Abstract: A total of 431 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected from 29 general hospitals in South Korea in 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by the disk diffusion method, and MICs of carbapenems were determined by the agar dilution method. Carbapenemase genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, and the structures of class 1 integrons surrounding the carbapenemase gene cassettes were analyzed by PCR mapping. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed for strain typing. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out to analyze P. aeruginosa genomic islands (PAGIs) carrying the bla IMP-6 , bla IMP-10 , and bla GES-24 genes. The rates of carbapenem-nonsusceptible and carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates were 34.3% (148/431) and 9.5% (41/431), respectively. IMP-6 was the most prevalent carbapenemase type, followed by VIM-2, IMP-10, and GES-24. All carbapenemase genes were located on class 1 integrons of 6 different types on the chromosome. All isolates harboring carbapenemase genes exhibited genetic relatedness by PFGE (similarity > 80%); moreover, all isolates were identified as sequence type 235 (ST235), with the exception of two ST244 isolates by MLST. The bla IMP-6 , bla IMP-10 , and bla GES-24 genes were found to be located on two novel PAGIs, designated PAGI-15 and PAGI-16. Our data support the clonal spread of an IMP-6-producing P. aeruginosa ST235 strain, and the emergence of IMP-10 and GES-24 demonstrates the diversification of carbapenemases in P. aeruginosa in Korea.

Abstract: Background: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of four different hand sanitizers against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis as well as to assess and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness among four different hand sanitizers. Materials and Methods: The present study is an in vitro study to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Dettol, Lifebuoy, PureHands, and Sterillium hand sanitizers against clinical isolates of the aforementioned test organisms. The well variant of agar disk diffusion test using Mueller-Hinton agar was used for evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of hand sanitizers. McFarland 0.5 turbidity standard was taken as reference to adjust the turbidity of bacterial suspensions. Fifty microliters of the hand sanitizer was introduced into each of the 4 wells while the 5 th well incorporated with sterile water served as a control. This was done for all the test organisms and plates were incubated in an incubator for 24 h at 37΀C. After incubation, antimicrobial effectiveness was determined using digital caliper (mm) by measuring the zone of inhibition. Results: The mean diameters of zones of inhibition (in mm) observed in Group A (Sterillium), Group B (PureHands), Group C (Lifebuoy), and Group D (Dettol) were 22 ± 6, 7.5 ± 0.5, 9.5 ± 1.5, and 8 ± 1, respectively. Maximum inhibition was found with Group A against all the tested organisms. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc test for group-wise comparisons. The difference in the values of different sanitizers was statistically significant at P Conclusion: Sterillium was the most effective hand sanitizer to maintain the hand hygiene.

Abstract: In the Disk Diffusion Antibiotic Sensitivity test (The Kirby-Bauer test) a thin film of bacteria applied on a plate is subjected to various antibiotics. The Zone of inhibition is a circular area around the spot of the antibiotic in which the bacteria colonies do not grow. The zone of inhibition can be used to measure the susceptibility of the bacteria to wards the antibiotic. The process of measuring the diameter of this Zone of Inhibition can be automated using Image processing. In this work an algorithm is developed, using Computer Vision, which will detect the zones of inhibition of the bacteria. This work demonstrates an effective approach of measuring the Zone of Inhibition by calculating the radius of the zone by drawing contours and setting the right value of threshold. This work also determines if a particular bacteria is susceptible or resistant to the applied antibiotic using the calculated Zone of Inhibition and the prescribed standard values.

Abstract: Introduction: The aims of this study were i) to define the chemical constituents of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) essential oil, ii) to compare the antimicrobial activity of this oil to that of chlorhexidine (CHX) and co-trimoxazole on planktonic and biofilm forms of bacteria isolated from the teeth with persistent endodontic infection and iii ) to compare the cytotoxicity of these medicaments on L929 fibroblasts. Methods and Materials: Three groups of microorganisms [aerobic bacterial mixture, anaerobic bacterial mixture and Enterococcus faecalis ( E .faecalis )] were isolated from the teeth with persistent apical periodontitis. Zone of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and time-kill tests were performed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the medicaments. Further, a cytocompatibility analysis of the medicaments was performed on L929 fibroblasts. The results obtained from disc diffusion test and mean cell viability values of the experimental medicaments were analyzed using two-way and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Seventeen constituents were recognized in cumin oil (predominantly cumin aldehyde and γ -terpinene). Co-trimoxazole showed the greatest ZOI followed by cumin and CHX. The smallest MIC and MBC belonged to co-trimoxazole followed by cumin and CHX for all groups of bacteria except for E. faecalis for which the MBC of cumin was smaller than co-trimoxazole. The results of time-kill assay revealed that all medicaments totally inhibited the bacterial growth in all groups after 24 h. CHX was the most cytotoxic solution while there were no significant differences between the cytocompatibility of different concentrations of cumin essential oil and co-trimoxazole. Conclusion: Cumin exhibited a strong antimicrobial efficiency against the microbial flora of the teeth with failed endodontic treatments and it was biocompatible for L929 mouse fibroblasts. Keywords: Antibacterial Activity; Chlorhexidine; Co-trimoxazole; Cuminum Cyminum ; Cytotoxicity; Intracanal Medicament

Abstract: In the recent decades, antimicrobial plant products have gained special interest because of the resistance to antibiotics that some micro-organisms have acquired. Aromatic and medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive molecules, especially in volatile extracts, that are considered among the most important antimicrobial agents present in these plants. Volatile components of Artemisia herba-alba Asso essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation growing in Algeria (Djelfacityof south Algeria) were investigated by GC/FID and GC-MS. The major components were found to be camphor (39.5%), chrysanthenone (10.38%), 1,8-cineole (8.6%), α-thujone (7.03%), Borneol (3.35%) and bornyl acetate (2.52%). The essential oil has been tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Inhibition of growth was tested by the agar diffusion method. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by the method of agar dilution.

Abstract: Acmella uliginosa (Asteraceae) is a flowering plant whose leaves are consumed as a vegetable in Benin. They are also traditionally used as an antibiotic in the treatment of infectious diseases. To evaluate the therapeutic potential and toxicity effect of this leafy-vegetable, the antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant activities and, toxicity and phytochemical constituents were investigated. Dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts of Acmella uliginosa were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against six bacterial and six fungi strains. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated by microdilution method and agar diffusion method respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl assay and phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. Finally, oral acute toxicity at a dose of 2000 mg/kg was done according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline n° 423. The antibacterial activity was broad spectrum, inhibiting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.625 to 5 mg/ml. The antifungal evaluation show that all the extracts inhibited mycelial growth and sporulation of fungi with percentages of inhibition ranging from 9.39 to 75.67 % and 22.04 to 99.77 %, respectively. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the effect on reducing free radicals increased in a dose dependent manner. The percentage of inhibition of DPPH ranged from 0.94 to 73.07 %. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of coumarin, flavonoid, naphtoquinone, anthracene derivative, saponin, lignan, triterpene and tannin. The dichloromethane and methanol extracts showed the best biological activities; they were also shown as the best extraction solvents of phytochemicals. In the acute toxicity evaluation, all animals were physically active and no deaths of rats were observed during the test. However, the aqueous extract promoted biochemical, hematological and histopathological alterations of treated rats at 2000 mg/kg body weight. A. uliginosa extracts contains antimicrobial, antioxidant agents and was not lethal for rats when ingested. However, according to the results obtained for biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis, caution is required regarding its consumption.

Abstract: Trichosanthes dioica, belongs to family Cucurbitaceae is a perennial herb and a common vegetable referred to as ‘pointed gourd’. It was reported to have several pharmacological properties, however, critical search of literature reviews did not yield any articles that evaluated the phyto-constituents of the aqueous root extract and evaluated its biological properties, therefore, the present investigation was undertaken. Qualitative analysis of the aqueous extract revealed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, reducing sugars. The presence of alkaloids and flavonoids were more when compared to other compounds. The UV-VIS profile of root extract revealed peaks at 520nm, 512nm, 505nm, 496nm, 487nm, 483nm, 444nm, 426nm and 222.5nm with the absorption 0.071, 0.083, 0.077, 0.087, 0.090, 0.161, 0.177, 0.268 and 3.996. Further analysis by GC-MS revealed presence of 11 prevailing compounds, such as eicosane 2-methyl (18.16), octadecane (3.68), methoxy acetic acid (0.71), 2 methylhexacosane (16.18), heptacosane (5.85), octacosane (2.53).Antibacterial activity of root extract (water) against one Gram negative bacteria Proteus mirabilis and one Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis showed a clear zone of inhibition and the zone of inhibition of Gram positive bacteria was slightly greater (13.7 mm) than that of the Gram negative bacteria (12.1mm); against streptomycin, a broad spectrum antibiotic as control which was statistically significant. Trichosanthes dioica may be considered as an important plant with antimicrobial property due to presence of various phyto-constituents. We would encourage others to confirm and refute our findings.

Abstract: A series of new 2-phenyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid derivatives was synthesized starting from aniline, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, pyruvic acid followed by Doebner reaction, amidation, reduction, acylation and amination. All of the newly-synthesized compounds were characterized by ¹H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and HRMS. The antibacterial activities of these compounds against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis), as well as one strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria were evaluated by the agar diffusion method (zone of inhibition) and a broth dilution method (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)), and their structure-activity relationships were obtained and discussed. The results revealed that some compounds displayed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and Compounds 5a₄ and 5a₇ showed the best inhibition with an MIC value of 64 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and with an MIC value of 128 μg/mL against Escherichia coli, respectively. The results of the MTT assay illustrated the low cytotoxicity of Compound 5a4.

Abstract: The bioactive compounds of the leaves of Carica papaya; solo and solomix were extracted using ethanol and n-hexane, and investigated for the presence of secondary metabolites. Both ethanol and n-hexane extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids. Flavonoids, glycosides and saponins were present in only the ethanol extract whereas tannins were present in the n-hexane extract. The bioactivities of the leaf extracts were attributed to their phytochemical constituents. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts were determined against some human pathogenic bacteria and fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods with the polar extract being more effective. The ethanol extract demonstrated a significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with the highest activity having a zone of inhibition of 10 mm. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay method and the absorbance measured using UV- visible spectrophotometer with ascorbic acid as control. The antioxidant activities of solo and solomix showed IC50 of 1.465x10-2 and 1.364x 10-2 respectively. This study demonstrates the efficacy of ethanolic leaf extracts of C. Papaya as an alternative antibiotic for the development of newer antibacterial agents.

Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to isolate the endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. (Family Apocynaceae) and observed their antibacterial activity against bacteria as well as the molecular characterization of most potent fungal strain. Methods: Collection and isolation of endophytic fungi from different parts (root, shoot, leaves) of Rauvolfia serpentina plant. Screening of endophytic fungi for antibacterial activity was scrutinised against six bacteria viz . Bacillus subtilis , Enterococcus sp., Klebsiella pneumoniae , Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus pyogenes by using Agar well diffusion method. For molecular sequencing of potent fungi, the DNA was extracted, quantified and amplified by using two oligonucleotide primers ITS4 and ITS6 in PCR. Results: A total seven endophytic fungi Aspergillus niger , Penicillium citrinum , Cladosporium sp., Curvularia lunata , Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated from different parts of Rauvolfia serpentina and fungal strain Penicillium citrinum was shown the maximum zone of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (23.0±0.12 mm), Escherichia coli (19.9±0.16 mm), Streptococcus pyrogens (19.2±0.59 mm), Enterococcus sp., (17.2±0.08 mm), Klebsiella pneumonia e (18.9±0.16 mm) and Salmonella typhimurium (15.1±0.16 mm). The molecular sequencing of the potent fungi was done by primers (ITS4 and ITS6) which showed strong specificity with fungal DNA and the percentages of identical matches of ITS4 and ITS6 DNA sequences in the GeneBank database (NCBI) were determined to 98 %. Conclusion: In the present study, the endophytic fungal strain Penicillium citrinum showed the potential source of antibacterial bioactive compounds and molecular sequencing of this fungus helps in future to determine the various metabolic pathways that are responsible for the production of such type of novel compounds.

Abstract: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serotype O157:H7 is one of the most important human pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause life-threatening infections. Xanthium strumarium L. is a plant with anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. This study aims to demonstrate in vitro efficacy of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Xanthium strumarium L. against E. coli O157:H7. Using the agar test diffusion, the effect of Xanthium strumarium L. EO (5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg/mL) was verified at each of the four different growth phases of E. coli O157:H7. Cell counts of viable cells and colony forming unit (CFU) were determined at regular time points using Breed's method and colony counting method, respectively. No viable cell was detectable after the 1 hour-exposure to X. strumarium EO at 30, 60, and 120 mg/mL concentrations. No bacterial colony was formed after 1 h until the end of the incubation period at 24 h. At lower concentrations, the number of bacteria cells decreased and colonies could be observed only after incubation. At the exponential phase, the EO at 15 mg/mL was only bacteriostatic, while from 30 mg/mL started to be bactericidal. X. strumarium EO antibacterial activity against Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 is dependent on EO concentration and physiological state of the microorganisms tested. The best inhibitory activity was achieved during the late exponential and the stationary phases.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the essential oils (EO) composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant power of a local plant, Daucus gracilis ( D. gracilis ). Methods The aerial parts of D. gracilis were subjected to hydro distillation by a Clevenger apparatus type to obtain the EO which had been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and screened for antimicrobial activity against five bacteria and three fungi by agar diffusion method. The mechanism of action of the EO was determined on the susceptible strains by both of time kill assay and lysis experience. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by agar macro-dilution and micro-dilution methods. Anti-oxidative properties of the EO were also studied by free diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and reducing power techniques. Results The EO yielded 0.68 (v/w). The chemical analysis presented two dominant constituents which were the elemicin (35.3%) and the geranyl acetate (26.8%). D. gracilis EO inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis significantly with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 17.15 μg/mL by the agar dilution method and 57.05 μg/mL and 114.1 μg/mL, respectively by liquid micro-dilution. A remarkable decrease in a survival rate as well as in the absorbance in 260 nm was recorded, which suggested that the cytoplasm membrane was one of the targets of the EO. The EO showed, also, important anti-oxidative effects with an IC 50 of 0.002 mg/mL and a dose-dependent reducing power. Conclusions D. gracilis EO showed potent antimicrobial and anti-oxidative activities and had acted on the cytoplasm membrane. These activities could be exploited in the food industry for food preservation.

Abstract: Thymus lanceolatus is a rare species, which grows wild in Algeria and Tunis. It is used traditionally as a drink and to flavor and preserve meat and poultry. The composition of the essential oil was determined by GLC/FID and GLC/MS. Forty-nine components were identified and quantified, accounting for 96.75% of the total detected components in the oil. The oxygenated monoterpenes (74.85%) constitute the major class of volatile secondary metabolites in the oil. Thymol was the most abundant constituent (69.61%) followed by γ-terpinene (8.38%). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using both diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH˙) reduction and 2-deoxyribose (2-DR) degradation prevention methods. The oil showed a very potent antioxidant activity with IC(50) values of 0.20 ± 0.07 and 4.96 ± 0.39 μg/mL for the DPPH˙ and 2-DR methods, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the oil was assessed using the agar diffusion method, and the in vitro cytotoxicity on five different cancer cells was examined using the MTT assay. The oil revealed promising inhibitory activity against Gram positive bacteria, especially Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pyogenes with an MIC value of 62.5 μg/mL. Additionally, the highest cytotoxic activity was observed against the HL-60 cells with an IC(50) of 113.5 μg/mL. These results validate some of their traditional uses in food preservation.

Abstract: This study aimed at evaluating the health benefits of popular Moringa oleifera leaf. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaf at two different concentrations (1:1 and 1:2) was used to determine the phytochemical screening and its antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia and Staphlococcus aureus were used in this study, applying agar diffusion methods. The phytochemical screening indicated presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloid, flavonoids, anthraquinoines, tannins and phenol in both extracts making it to have antibacterial potentials. Both extract showed remarkable activity against the growth of the selected bacteria; nevertheless, the methanol extract had more antibacterial activity than the water extract, more so the extracts were discovered to be more active at higher concentration. The water extract was not active at low concentration, that is 1:1 but had diameter zone of inhibition of 10 mm each for 1:2 concentration. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) that inhibits these bacterial ranged between 1:4 and 1:16 and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) that kills the growth of the bacterial isolates completely was 1:16. The result of this study showed that M. oleifera could be a valuable antibacterial drug in the treatment of infections caused by the test organisms. Key words: Agar diffusion method, aqueous and methanol extracts, secondary metabolites, zone of inhibition, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC).

Abstract: Plant extracts were evaluated on poultry bacteria known to be threatening public health. This is to develop better bio-therapeutic agents from plant origin. Bacteria were isolated from water, feed, crop, gizzard and faeces of layer chicken. Isolates of interest (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca) were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. Resistant strains were further evaluated against different plant extracts in comparison to Meropenem (control) using agar diffusion method. E. coli had the highest occurrence (53 %), followed by P. aeruginosa (25 %) and then S. enteritidis (13 %) while the least was K. oxytoca (9 %). Virtually all the isolates exhibited multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) with gross resistance to Amoxicillin, Erythromycin and Cefuroxine. P. aeruginosa (75 %), S. enteritidis (75 %) and E. coli (63 %), had the highest MAR. Out of the 11 (100 %) plant extracts evaluated, 7 (64 %) were outstanding and showed varied levels of antibacterial activity. Specifically, methanol extract of Mangifera indica Julie cultivar leaf (MJLM) had the highest antibacterial activity, followed by Euadenia trifoliata stem bark (TB03) and Euadenia eminens leaf (TB05). P. aeruginosa was highly susceptible (81.81 %) to the extracts, followed by S. enteritidis (63.64 %) and then E. coli (27.27 %). MJLM and other extracts have proven to be promising extracts in which to search for bioactive components that can be developed into therapeutic drugs. This may help in the management of antibiotic resistant bacterial isolates from poultry chicken threatening public health.

Abstract: Objective: The present investigation was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extracts and to elucidate the presence of phytochemicals responsible for its biological activity. Methods: The plant extracts were prepared by sequential cold maceration method by using four solvents viz ., hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and distilled water. Antimicrobial activity of extracts was carried out by agar well diffusion method against four bacteria and five fungi. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of different extracts was determined using the broth dilution method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), TLC bioautography and phytochemicals analysis were also performed. Results: The antibacterial activity of T. foenum-graecum leaves extracts was found maximum on Serratia marcescens with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 12.33±0.57 mm by aqueous extract followed by inhibition of Bacillus cereus (ZOI = 11.50±0.50 mm) by the methanol extract. The range of MIC of different extracts recorded was 6.25 to 25 mg/ml. Results of the antifungal activity showed that methanol extract showed a maximum zone of inhibition against Trichoderma viridae (ZOI = 14.5±0.5 mm) followed by ethyl acetate extract (ZOI = 12.0±1.0 mm). The MIC value for methanol extract against T. viridae was 6.25 mg/ml. The result of TLC bioautography revealed that compounds eluted at R f 0.58 and R f 0.67 exhibited strong while compounds eluted at R f 0.31 and R f 0.37 showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. marcescens. Phytochemicals analysis indicated that methanol and aqueous extracts contain more phytochemicals as compared to hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that T. foenum-graecum leaves extracts to have a significant potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent due to the presence of different phytochemicals. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Phytochemicals analysis, TLC bioautography, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Trigonella foenum-graecum

Abstract: Objective One of the properties of an ideal root canal irrigant is the ability to eradicate Enterococcus faecalis which is one of the most resistant microorganisms encountered in persistent peri-radicular lesions. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro antibacterial effectiveness of a naturally occurring agent called phytic acid (IP6) against E. faecalis and compare it to the antibacterial activities of clinically used irrigants: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), phosphoric acid (PA) and chlorhexidine (CHX). Design The antimicrobial activities of 5% IP6, 5% NaOCl, 18% EDTA, 37% PA and 2% CHX against E. faecalis were determined using disk diffusion test. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was calculated by broth macrodilution method. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined for the used agents by culturing the clear broth of MIC tests. Results The results of agar diffusion test showed statistically signii¬cant differences between the groups. PA showed a larger zone when compared to other tested materials (p< 0.05). There was no statistical significant difference between NaOCl, EDTA and CHX (p=0.098). IP6 showed the smallest zone of inhibition when compared to all groups (p< 0.05).The recorded MIC and MBC values for IP6 were 0.156% and 0.625%; respectively. The MIC and MBC values for PA were 0.578% and 4.6% and for NaOCl 0.093% and 0.375%, respectively. EDTA MIC value was 0.14 % but it showed no bactericidal activity. CHX was excluded from MIC test as immediate precipitation and turbidity occurred after mixing CHX with Mueller Hinton Broth. Conclusions Within the limitation of this study and despite that IP6 showed the smallest zone of inhibition in agar diffusion test, the results of MIC and MBC indicated that IP6 exhibits in vitro antibacterial effect against E. faecalis at low concentrations.

Abstract: Since from long time the plant, Annona reticulata Linn. is known for its beneficial effects. Leaves of A. reticulata were screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity. The shade dried leaves were extracted with methanol and aqueous methanolic extract was partitioned successively with n-butanol, chloroform and acetone solvents. Methanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant screening using DPPH free radical scavenging activity and H 2 O 2 scavenging activity. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extract and fractions were analyzed on eight different clinical bacterial and fungal strains using agar well diffusion method and broth dilution method (MIC and MMC determination). The antioxidant activity showed that the extracts exhibited scavenging effect in concentration-dependent manner. The extract showed potent inhibitory effect against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli bacterial strains while in case of fungal strains the maximum effect was observed against Candida blanki . The maximum zone of inhibition of n-butanol, chloroform and acetone fractions was observed against B. subtilis , and E. coli respectively while all fractions exhibited potent inhibitory effect against C. blanki . MIC and MBC values were determined for active samples, methanol extract and chloroform fraction against Staphylococcus aureus , B. subtilis , E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which revealed lower MIC and MBC values. The fungal strains Candida albicans , Saccharomyces cerevisiae and C. blanki were used to calculate MIC and MFC values for methanol extract and acetone fraction which demonstrated lower MIC and MFC values. The results provided evidence that the plant is richly supplied with numerous phytoconstituents that might indeed be potential sources of natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agents and supplementary food.

Abstract: Background: It was previously shown that some parts of Aquilaria agallocha, which is commonly known as oud or oodh, such as roots have been used as a traditional medical herbal in different countries. In Turkey A. agallocha is one of the ingredients while preparing famous Mesir paste, which was invented as a medicinal paste and used from the Ottoman period to now at least for 500 years. The identification the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of A. agallocha roots is main purpose of this analysis. Materials and Methods: By using 17 bacteria and 1 fungi, which include Bacillus, Candida, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Listeria, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus genera, the activity of A. agallocha root extracts were analysed by the help of the disk diffusion method, that is one of the methods commonly used to determine antimicrobial activities. Results: As a result of the study it was observed that ethanol extracts of A. agallocha roots have a clear antimicrobial activity against nearly all microorganism used in the study, but only two bacteria namely E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. typhimurium SL 1344. Conclusion: According to the disk diffusion test results it may be possible to propose that A. agallocha roots should have a medicinal uses especially against E. faecium, L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644, B. subtilis DSMZ 1971, C. albicans DSMZ 1386, S. epidermidis DSMZ 20044 and S. aureus ATCC 25923.

Abstract: The antibacterial activities of thirty mushroom species belonging to Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes, cultivated on two liquid media, were evaluated against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria by the disk diffusion method. All of the mushrooms, except Auriporia aurea, Fomes fomentarius, and Lyophyllum shimeji, showed different antibacterial activity levels-from 9.5 mm in diameter of the inhibition zone to full inhibition of growth of the test bacteria. The antibacterial activities of Crinipellis schevczenkovi, Hohenbuehelia myxotricha, Oxyporus obducens, and Spongipellis litschaueri were observed for the first time. The antibacterial potential of culture liquids of the investigated species was higher than that of their mycelia activity. Dependence of the intensity of antibacterial activity on the culture medium was shown. The antibacterial efficiency of the most active species (Lentinus edodes, Piptoporus betulinus, and Phellinus igniarius) was verified and compared with those of some commercial antibiotics and natural essential oils of Salvia and Eucalyptus. The culture liquid of Piptoporus betulinus, obtained after cultivation on glucose-peptone-yeast culture medium, is a potential substance for further creation of antibacterial products.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from Elaeoselinum asclepium (L.) Bertol. ( E. asclepium ), and test the efficiency of the essential oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. Methods Essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts of E. asclepium by hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We study for the first time the chemical composition of the essential oil of E. asclepium , followed by the in vitro antimicrobial activities, which were evaluated by agar diffusion method against six Gram-positive bacteria, five Gram-negative bacteria, and two fungi. In addition, The antioxidant activities were also investigated using assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing capacity. Results The analyzed essential oil of the aerial parts of E. asclepium was rich in α-pinene (43.9%), other compounds detected in appreciable amounts were sabinene (27.9%) and β-pinene (16.0%). The essential oil yields 1.2%, the IC 50 values of essential oil in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay in the reducing power assay were 48.26 mg/mL and at 1 mg/mL, respectively. The absorbance value of essential oil at 700 nm was 0.956. The antimicrobial effect was higher on Candida albicans ATCC 1024 strain with the inhibition zone 14.5 mm than bacteria and molds. Conclusions The essential oil of E. asclepium has antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. These species may be used as an important source of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.

Abstract: Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of herbal alternatives ( Emblica officinalis , Psidium guajava ), BioPure MTAD, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis . Materials and method The testing of the antimicrobial efficacy of selected medicaments against E. faecalis was done by the agar disk-diffusion method. Whatman paper discs of 6 mm diameter were prepared and soaked with the test solution. These discs were then placed onto the previously seeded agar Petri plates. Later, these plates were incubated for 48 h at 37 °C under the appropriate gaseous conditions in a CO 2 incubator. A zone of inhibition was recorded in millimeter for each plate and the results were analyzed statistically. Result MTAD was found to be superior in its antibacterial abilities against E. faecalis compared with the other irrigants used. All the other tested irrigants showed significant zone of inhibition. Conclusions BioPure MTAD offers better antibacterial efficacy than NaOCl. E. officinalis and P. guajava are effective antibacterial agents against E. faecalis and can be used to reduce root canal microflora and root canal failures.