In vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from Solanum Torvum Swartz (Solanaceae) Leaves on the Growth of a Resistant Strain of Enterobacter

Abstract

Background: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is becoming increasingly important and is characterised by the emergence of new resistance. Enterobacter is one of the bacteria most commonly responsible for nosocomial infections. From the last many decades, plants are essential source of natural products to hold human health. The presence of phytochemical constituents in medicinal plants made them useful for healing as well as for curing human diseases. Objective: The study seeks to promote the use of Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of gastroenteritis and pulmonary diseases. Methodology: The antibacterial activity of the different extracts of Solanum torvum leaves was determined. Extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) obtained from Solanum torvum powder were tested in liquid and solid media (Mueller-Hinton) on the in vitro growth of a resistant strain of Enterobacter. Results: The results revealed that the antibacterial activity on Enterobacter strains was better with the ethanolic extract (MIC = 12.5 mg/mL and MBC = 25 mg/mL) than with the aqueous extract (MIC = 12.5 mg/mL and MBC = 50 mg/mL). Nevertheless, both extracts remain bactericidal on this strain. Conclusion: Various extracts of Solanum torvum have antibacterial activity against the Enterobacter sp strain, with the 70% ethanol extract being particularly more effective than the aqueous extract. This extract can be used for the development of phytomedicines against gastroenteritis and pulmonary diseases caused by Enterobacter sp.