In vitro experimental antimicrobial and phytochemical evaluation of unsukumbili (Hypericum aethiopicum) against MRSA in wound sepsis.

Mally MaDanger  Mncube; Dr.  Nhlanhla Wiseman  Nsele; Shanaz  Ghuman

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2166

Authors

Mally MaDanger Mncube Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Dr. Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Shanaz Ghuman Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2166

Keywords:

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), Hypericum aethiopicum, MRSA, wound infections, antimicrobial resistance, phytochemical analysis., Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), Hypericum aethiopicum, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Wound infections, Antimicrobial resistance, Phytochemical analysis

Abstract

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, contributing to severe wound sepsis and high treatment failure rates due to multidrug resistance, resulting in a strain that the healthcare system faces as an uncontrollable, fatal pandemic with a high mortality rate. The increasing prevalence of MRSA necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies, including plant-derived antimicrobials.

Aim: This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Hypericum aethiopicum (unsukumbili) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), assessing its potential for wound infection management.

Methodology

An in vitro experimental design was employed, following standardized antimicrobial testing protocols. H. aethiopicum leaves were extracted using ethanol and water, and antimicrobial activity was assessed via disk diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays.

Results

Ethanolic extracts exhibited superior antibacterial activity (mean inhibition zone: 26mm) compared to aqueous extracts (4 mm). No significant difference was observed between fresh and dried leaf extracts. The MIC for MRSA was achieved at a 1:8 dilution, demonstrating potent bactericidal effects.

Conclusion

aethiopicum ethanol extract shows promising activity against MRSA, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected wounds.

Recommendation

Further studies are needed to isolate bioactive compounds and assess in vivo efficacy, identifying levels of the plant toxicity against human cells.

Author Biographies

Mally MaDanger Mncube, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Medical Technologist specialised in Clinical Pathology registered with HPCSA, recently acquired Masters degree in Health Sciences at Durban University of Technology and currently pursuing the PhD degree at Tshwane University of Technology, employed at Mangosuthu University of Technology as a Laboratory Medical Technologist in Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Microbiology with expertise in the indigenous research therapies and infectious diseases caused by micro organisms.

Dr. Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Microbiology with expertise in phytopharmacology and infectious diseases.

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