Abstract

ANTIBACTERIAL STUDIES WITH METHANOL EXTRACT OF COUROUPITA GUIANENSIS FLOWERS AGAINST METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Snehali Majumder*, E.M. Elango, Christian J.P.A. Hoebe, Mohammed Rahmatullah

ABSTRACT

The present study was aimed at evaluating the anti-MRSA effect of Couroupita guianensis flower methanol extract. These flowers are used to treat microbial infections in traditional medicinal practices of India. The methanolic extract of Couroupita guianensis flowers were subjected to preliminary antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method and found to be active against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli as well as Gram-positive methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Biochemical property of the extract was established by phytochemical analysis. The preliminary biochemical tests showed the presence of glycosides, tannins, and phenolics, which group of compounds have previously been reported to exhibit anti-microbial effects.

Keywords: Couroupita guianensis, flower, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA