US EPA

1228162 

Journal Article 

Saponins from Eugenia jambolana with Antibacterial Activity Against Beta-Lactamase Producing Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus 

Jasmine, R; Selvakumar, BN; Daisy, P 

2007 

0 

Research Journal of Medicinal Plant
ISSN: 1819-3455 

1 

1 (2007) 

1-6 

The present study was carried out to investigate the role of Eugenia jambolana against the beta-lactamase producing Staphylococcus aureus and to isolate and identify the putative antibacterial compound based on bioassay-guided fractionation. The test bacteria were resistant to several antibiotics, including several beta-lactams. The crude plant extracts demonstrated zones of inhibition in the range of 18 mm against the chosen test bacteria. On the basis of promising activity, methanol extract was subjected to fractionation, which yielded five fractions. The effective fractions had MIC of 31.75-62.5 mu g mL super(-1). Phytochemical analyses and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) of the most promising fraction showed the presence of saponins as the active phytoconstituent. The active fraction was further tested for its in vitro haemolytic activity to sheep and human erythrocytes and demonstrated no haemolysis at recommended and higher doses. Further studies are needed to elucidate the structure of the compound and establish the mode of action of the compound against these multi drug-resistant bacteria. 

Antibacterial activity; Drug resistance; Medicinal plants; Methicillin; Saponins; Staphylococcus aureus; Erythrocytes; Methanol; Plant extracts; Antibiotics; Minimum inhibitory concentration; Eugenia