The antibacterial activity of selected plants towards resistant bacteria isolated from clinical specimens

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antibacterial activity of eight plants against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which are the most prevalent causes of infections in inpatients.MethodsThe antibacterial activity was calculated based on the minimum inhibitory concentration using Mueller–Hinton broth in a microdilution method.ResultsThe best antibacterial activity, calculated as minimum inhibitory concentration values, against MRSA was shown by the Kaempferia pandurata (Roxb) (K. pandurata) extract (256 μg/mL) and the Senna alata (S. alata) extract (512 μg/mL). Phytochemical screening of dried S. alata leaf and its extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, quinones, tannins and sterols, while dried K. pandurata and its extract only showed the presence of flavonoids and sterols/triterpenoids.ConclusionsK. pandurata and S. alata have the potential to be developed as antibacterial agents, especially against MRSA strain, but further in vivo research and discovery of the mode of its action are still needed to shed light on the effects.