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Home / Equine Research Bank / BMC Vet Res / Invitro antibacterial activity of bark, leaf and root extrac...
BMC veterinary research2024; 20(1); 102; doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-03954-8

Invitro antibacterial activity of bark, leaf and root extracts of combretum molle plant against streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles in donkeys and horses.

Abstract: Effective therapy for many infections is becoming difficult due to the evolutionary development of drug resistance, and hence, the development of alternative treatment options mainly from herbs is crucial. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of ethanol extracts of stem bark, leaves and roots of Combretum molle against Streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles using in vitro tests. Methods: Plant extraction was performed using a maceration technique with 80% ethanol. The mean zone of inhibition was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Six serial dilutions with different concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625% and 0.3125%) of each plant extract were prepared using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). A modified agar microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the extracts. Results: The results revealed that all plant extracts showed significant antibacterial activity. The root extract showed the best antibacterial effect compared to the others at all concentrations, with MZI values of 27.5, 23.225, 20.5, 17.9, 15.65 and 12.25 for the respective concentrations mentioned above and an MIC of 250 µg/ml. It was followed by the stem bark extract, which had MZI values of 24.67, 22.35, 18.225, 16.175, 11.125 and 8.2 millimeters and an MIC of 375 µg/ml. The leaf extract also had significant activity, with MZI values of 20.175, 18.25, 15.7, 13.125, 9.4 and 6.75 in millimeters and an MIC of 500 µg/ml. There was a direct relationship between the concentrations of the plant extracts and the level of inhibition. Conclusions: The test plant extracts were compared with the conventional antibiotic penicillin G, and the results indicated that the parts of the test plant have significant antibacterial activity, which may support traditional claims and could be candidates for alternative drug discoveries.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-03-13 PubMed ID: 38481214PubMed Central: PMC10935832DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03954-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study investigated the antibacterial effects of ethanol extracts from the bark, leaves, and roots of the Combretum molle plant against Streptococcus equi, the bacterium responsible for strangles in donkeys and horses, using in vitro laboratory methods.

Introduction and Background

  • Many bacterial infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the rise of drug-resistant strains.
  • This creates an urgent need for alternative therapies, especially from natural sources like medicinal plants.
  • Combretum molle is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various treatments and is being explored scientifically for its potential antibacterial properties.
  • Streptococcus equi is a significant pathogen causing strangles, a highly contagious respiratory infection in horses and donkeys.

Objectives

  • To evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts from the bark, leaves, and roots of Combretum molle against Streptococcus equi isolated from clinical strangles cases.
  • To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these extracts.
  • To compare these plant extracts’ antibacterial effects with a conventional antibiotic, penicillin G.

Methods

  • Plant Extraction: Plant materials (bark, leaves, roots) were extracted using a maceration technique with 80% ethanol.
  • Antibacterial Testing:
    • The agar well diffusion method was used to measure the mean zone of inhibition (MZI), indicating antibacterial effect.
    • Six different concentrations of each extract (ranging from 0.3125% to 10%) were tested, diluted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
    • Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the smallest amount of extract that inhibits bacterial growth, were determined using a modified agar microdilution method.

Results

  • All extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus equi.
  • Root extract:
    • Had the strongest antibacterial effect at all tested concentrations.
    • Mean zone of inhibition values ranged from 27.5 mm (highest concentration) to 12.25 mm (lowest concentration).
    • Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 250 µg/ml, indicating a relatively strong antibacterial property.
  • Stem bark extract:
    • Showed moderate activity with MZI values from 24.67 mm down to 8.2 mm as concentration decreased.
    • MIC was 375 µg/ml.
  • Leaf extract:
    • Had the least but still significant antibacterial activity with MZI values from 20.175 mm to 6.75 mm.
    • MIC was 500 µg/ml.
  • A clear dose-dependent relationship was observed: higher extract concentrations led to greater bacterial inhibition.
  • Plant extracts’ antibacterial effects were compared favorably with penicillin G, a standard antibiotic used against Streptococcus equi.

Conclusions

  • The ethanol extracts from Combretum molle bark, leaves, and roots exhibit substantial inhibitory effects against Streptococcus equi in vitro.
  • The root extract showed the highest potency, suggesting it could be prioritized for developing alternative antibacterial agents.
  • These findings support traditional medicinal uses of Combretum molle and indicate potential for developing novel plant-based treatments to address antibiotic resistance issues.
  • Further research, including in vivo studies and isolation of active components, is needed to advance these extracts towards clinical application.

Cite This Article

APA
Emiru AY, Regassa F, Endebu Duguma B, Kassaye A, Desyebelew B. (2024). Invitro antibacterial activity of bark, leaf and root extracts of combretum molle plant against streptococcus equi isolated from clinical cases of strangles in donkeys and horses. BMC Vet Res, 20(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-03954-8

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Pages: 102
PII: 102

Researcher Affiliations

Emiru, Ayechew Yetayeh
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Woldia University, North Wollo, Ethiopia. ayechewyetayeh@gmail.com.
Regassa, Fekadu
  • College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
Endebu Duguma, Bojia
  • Donkey sanctuary Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kassaye, Asmamaw
  • Donkey sanctuary Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Desyebelew, Belay
  • Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Combretum
  • Streptococcus equi
  • Equidae
  • Plant Bark
  • Agar
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / veterinary
  • Ethanol

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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