Effect of Oxidation of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva All. (Anarcadiaceae) on its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

This study investigates the relaction between oxidation and antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Myracrodruon urundeuva, a plant known for its traditional medicinal uses. The primary objective was to evaluate how the oxidation of bioactive compounds within the extract affects its antimicrobial efficacy against common pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The extract was prepared following a standardized methodology, and its antimicrobial properties were assessed using disk diffusion assays over a 60-day period, with samples tested every 15 days to monitor changes in activity. The results revealed that the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, particularly at higher concentrations (100%~50%), with inhibition zones reaching up to 16.7 mm against Staphylococcus aureus by day 30. However, a notable decline in activity was observed between days 30 and 45, indicating a potential degradation of the extract's efficacy over time. Interestingly, lower concentrations (12.5% and 0.4%) showed a resurgence in inhibitory activity towards the end of the study, suggesting that certain oxidative processes may enhance the antimicrobial properties of specific compounds. The study highlights the complex relationship between oxidation and antimicrobial activity demonstrating that certain compounds lose effectiveness, while others become more potent after oxidative modification. This finding is particularly relevant in the context of increasing bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, as it suggests that the oxidation of plant-derived compounds could be a viable strategy to enhance their antimicrobial properties. Overall, this research underscores the potential of Myracrodruon urundeuva as a natural alternative in combating resistant pathogens and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the mechanisms by which oxidation influences the activity of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants.