Antimicrobial activity, Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extracts, and Essential Constituents of Syzygium Aromaticum, Tymus Vulgaris and Eucalyptus Globulus on Selected Pathogens

Anubhav Dubey ^1*, Mamta Kumari ¹

This research showed the plant-based treatments' potential as effective alternatives is crucial in combating infectious diseases in an antibiotic resistance condition.

Abstract

Background: Plant materials are repositories of bioactive compounds with medicinal value, often utilized in traditional medicines for their therapeutic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, and Eucalyptus globulus against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Methods: Plant extracts were obtained using soxhlet extraction with ethanol as the solvent. The extracts were qualitatively screened for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. The residual concentrations of the plant extracts were determined to be 2.0 mg/mL for Syzygium aromaticum, 2.1 mg/mL for Thymus vulgaris, and 1.83 mg/mL for Eucalyptus globulus. The antimicrobial activity was assessed, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each extract against the tested microorganisms was determined. Results: All plant extracts contained saponins and flavonoids, while only extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus vulgaris, and Syzygium aromaticum contained tannins. Alkaloids were not present in the extracts. Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible only to Syzygium aromaticum extract. Salmonella typhi showed no sensitivity to any of the extracts. Escherichia coli was sensitive to all extracts, with the order of efficacy being Eucalyptus globulus > Thymus vulgaris > Syzygium aromaticum. Candida albicans was sensitive to Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus vulgaris extracts. The MIC for Syzygium aromaticum was 2.0 mg/mL for S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Thymus vulgaris exhibited MIC values of 0.021 mg/mL and 2.1 mg/mL for E. coli and C. albicans, respectively. Eucalyptus globulus had a MIC of 1.83 mg/mL for E. coli. Conclusion: The plant extracts from Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, and Eucalyptus globulus demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. These findings suggest that these plant materials may be useful as natural remedies for managing infections caused by these susceptible microorganisms. Further research is warranted to explore their potential applications in clinical settings.

Keywords: Syzygium aromaticum, Antimicrobial, Tymus vulgaris, Pathogens, Eucalyptus globulus.

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