Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5840291 Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2011 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Aim of the studyThe study aimed to test the activity of Terminalia catappa L. against bacterial quorum sensing (QS) in order to provide a potential scientific basis for the traditional use of leaf extracts of this plant as an antiseptic.Materials and methodsThe anti-QS activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Terminalia catappa was detected through the inhibition of the QS-controlled violacein pigment production in Chromobacterium violaceum. Fractions resulting from size-exclusion chromatography were assayed. The most active fraction was characterized through qualitative phytochemical detection methods. The effect of this fraction on known QS-controlled phenotypes in test strains was assessed.ResultsThe fraction with the highest activity (labeled as TCF12) was characterized to be tannin-rich. It specifically inhibited QS-controlled violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum with 50% reduction achieved at 62.5 μg mL−1 without significantly affecting growth up to about 962 μg mL−1. The assessment of its effects on LasA activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 found that the production of this virulence determinant is reduced in a concentration dependent manner with about 50% reduction at 62.5 μg mL−1. Furthermore, it was found that TCF12 was able to inhibit the maturation of biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a phenotype that has also been known to be QS-regulated.ConclusionTherefore, tannin-rich components of Terminalia catappa leaves are able to inhibit certain phenotypic expression of QS in the test strains used.

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Health Sciences Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science Pharmacology
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