Antibacterial effects of garlic extract on clinical bacteria.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Antibacterial activity of different concentrations of garlic (allium sativum) extract on some bacteria isolated from clinical specimens
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Essien U. C., Odineze O. M., Sheyin Z., Ede F. R., Vem T.S.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Antibacterial activity of different concentrations of garlic (allium sativum) extract on some bacteria isolated from clinical specimens
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20174-8286
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, has long been utilized not only as a culinary spice but also for its medicinal qualities due to a variety of biological activities. These include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic effects. Historical records cite notable figures such as Louis Pasteur and Albert Schweitzer, who recognized garlic's antibacterial properties in the past. The resurgence of interest in garlic's medicinal benefits is largely attributed to the discovery of its bioactive compound, allicin, which exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of garlic extracts against several clinical bacterial isolates.
Antibacterial Activity of Garlic Extracts
The study involved preparing garlic extracts using both aqueous and methanolic solvents through a cold maceration process. The effectiveness of these extracts was tested against various bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical specimens such as urine, wounds, and sputum. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Results indicated that Escherichia coli was the most susceptible to both extracts, demonstrating significant zones of inhibition. In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed notable resistance to the garlic extracts, except for a mild response to sundried garlic extract at a higher concentration.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)
A critical aspect of the study was determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the garlic extracts for the isolated bacteria. MIC is defined as the lowest concentration of an antibacterial agent that prevents the visible growth of bacteria. Findings revealed that the aqueous garlic extract had a MIC range of 5.6 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml, while the methanol extract maintained a range of 6.5 mg/ml to 15 mg/ml. The study supports the notion that garlic, specifically its extracts, possesses clinically relevant antimicrobial properties due to its low MIC values against several test organisms.
Phytochemical Components
Phytochemical screening of the garlic extracts demonstrated the presence of various bioactive compounds, such as saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds are believed to contribute to the antibacterial activity observed. Notably, the study highlighted that both the aqueous and methanol extracts yielded similar phytochemical profiles, suggesting that the variations in antibacterial activity across extracts may be attributed to the concentration of allicin and its derivatives rather than the specific phytochemical components.
Conclusion
The findings of this study substantiate the antibacterial potential of garlic extracts, reinforcing the traditional use of garlic in medicinal applications. While E. coli showed high sensitivity to the garlic extracts, Pseudomonas aeruginosa displayed significant resistance. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the concentration and preparation methods of garlic extracts in enhancing its therapeutic prospects. Further research is warranted to explore the broader applications of garlic as an antimicrobial agent and to optimize its usage in clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the objective of the garlic extract study?
The study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration of various garlic preparations against specific bacterial strains isolated from clinical specimens.
How were garlic extracts prepared for the study?
Garlic cloves were air-dried, powdered, and dissolved in methanol and distilled water, followed by filtration and evaporation to yield crude extracts for testing.
Which bacteria showed the most susceptibility to garlic extract?
Escherichia coli was identified as the most susceptible organism, exhibiting significant sensitivity to both aqueous and methanol garlic extracts in terms of inhibition zones.
What method was used to assess antibacterial activity?
The antibacterial efficacy was tested using the agar well diffusion method to measure the zones of inhibition created by different garlic extract concentrations.
What were the determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for garlic extracts?
The MIC for aqueous garlic extracts ranged from 5.6 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml, while for methanol extracts it was between 6.5 mg/ml and 15.0 mg/ml.
What is the main bioactive compound responsible for garlic's antibacterial activity?
Allicin is recognized as the primary bioactive compound in garlic that contributes to its notable antibacterial properties against various bacteria.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antibacterial effects of garlic extract on clinical bacteria.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Garlic:
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant commonly used as both a culinary ingredient and a traditional medicine. Its relevance in the study lies in its antimicrobial properties, attributed to compounds like allicin. The exploration of garlic as a potential natural antibiotic can provide insights into alternative therapeutic agents against bacterial infections.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are substances used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting growth or killing bacteria. The study explores garlic as a natural antibiotic alternative, especially amid rising antibiotic resistance. Its antibacterial components may offer effective treatment options while minimizing the side effects associated with conventional antibiotics.
3) Activity:
Activity refers to the efficacy of garlic extracts in inhibiting or killing bacteria. In the study, this activity is quantitatively measured using methods such as agar well diffusion to determine the zones of inhibition. Such measurements are crucial for assessing the potential therapeutic applications of garlic in medicine.
4) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum is the scientific name for garlic, the plant investigated in the study. Recognizing its taxonomic classification is essential for research and pharmacological studies. Understanding its biological properties, such as its antibacterial activity, can lead to further exploration of its health benefits and practical applications in treatments.
5) Study (Studying):
The study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of garlic extracts against various bacterial pathogens. It employs detailed methodologies to assess the effectiveness of different concentrations of garlic. Results from this study are instrumental in validating garlic as a potential therapeutic agent in microbial infections, contributing to scientific knowledge.
6) Table:
Tables in the study present organized data, including results of antibacterial activity and phytochemical components found in garlic extracts. They are crucial for summarizing complex information visually, allowing easy comparison of results across different concentrations, test organisms, and extract types, enhancing the clarity of research findings.
7) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a significant pathogenic bacterium studied for its susceptibility to garlic extracts. Understanding the effects of garlic on this organism is vital due to its common role in infections. Research on its inhibition by natural substances like garlic could provide alternative treatments for staphylococcal infections.
8) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to bioactive compounds derived from plants that exhibit various biological activities. In this study, the identification of phytochemicals in garlic, such as flavonoids and allicin, is essential for determining their role in the observed antibacterial activities. These compounds may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of garlic.
9) Water:
Water is used as a solvent in preparing aqueous garlic extracts for antibacterial testing. It plays a crucial role in the extraction process, influencing the yield and potency of bioactive compounds found in garlic. Understanding extraction methods involving water is essential for optimizing garlic's therapeutic potential.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of natural phenomena, including the investigation of garlic's medicinal properties. The scientific approach in this study involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results to uncover the antibacterial potential of garlic, contributing valuable knowledge to pharmacology and microbiology.
11) Species:
Species refers to distinct groups of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, analyzed for their susceptibility to garlic extracts. Determining the specific bacterial species affected by garlic is vital for understanding its potential in treating various infections and for guiding targeted therapeutic applications.
12) Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. While the study primarily focuses on antibacterial activity, garlic has documented anticancer properties, prompting interest in its broader therapeutic applications. Understanding garlic's role in both antibacterial and anticancer contexts enhances its potential in holistic health strategies.
13) Indian:
In the context of the study, 'Indian' may refer to traditional uses of garlic in Indian medicine and cuisine. The relevance lies in exploring cultural practices surrounding garlic, which can provide insights into its historical therapeutic applications, influencing modern scientific research and public health recommendations.
14) Filling (Filled):
Filled refers to the preparation of agar plates in which wells are filled with garlic extracts for antibacterial testing. This methodological detail is crucial in understanding how the antibacterial activity is assessed. Proper filling ensures uniform distribution, necessary for reliable and reproducible testing results.
15) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. Exploring the pharmacological properties of garlic extracts contributes to understanding their therapeutic potentials, especially concerning their efficacy as natural antibiotics, aiding in the development of new treatment strategies against resistant bacterial strains.
16) Performance:
Performance relates to the effectiveness of garlic extract in inhibiting bacterial growth, which is critically assessed through standardized microbiological methods. Understanding the performance of garlic extracts compared to traditional antibiotics helps evaluate their viability as alternative therapeutic agents.
17) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study interprets the results, comparing findings with existing literature. It addresses the implications of garlic’s antibacterial activity, explores potential mechanisms, and suggests further research directions. This analysis is vital for contextualizing the research within broader scientific understanding.
18) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the scientific understanding of garlic’s antibacterial properties and their practical implications in medicine. Expanding knowledge on natural remedies like garlic can aid in developing novel therapeutic approaches and enhancing public health strategies against microbial infections.
19) Substance:
Substance broadly refers to any chemical compound; in this study, it particularly pertains to bioactive compounds in garlic. Identifying the specific substances responsible for antibacterial effects is essential for establishing garlic’s therapeutic validity and guiding future pharmacological research.
20) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of bioactive compounds found in various plants, including garlic. Recognizing flavonoids in garlic extracts is crucial for understanding their potential health benefits, including antimicrobial activities. They may play a significant role in augmenting garlic's therapeutic effects against infections.
21) Medicine:
Medicine involves the science and practice of diagnosing and treating diseases. The exploration of garlic's antibacterial properties contributes to the field of medicine by offering alternative treatment options, especially amidst the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance, promoting the need for natural medicinal solutions.
22) Turmeric:
Turmeric is another plant known for its medicinal properties, often compared with garlic in studies. Both spices contain bioactive compounds that offer health benefits. The mention of turmeric in related studies speaks to the broader context of natural products being explored for their therapeutic potential against various ailments.
23) Reason:
Reason here refers to the justification for conducting the study on garlic's antibacterial potential. Understanding the underlying reasons, such as the rise of antibiotic resistance, guides researchers in exploring natural alternatives like garlic, highlighting the need for continued investigation into its therapeutic applications.
24) Cotton:
Cotton is used in the study for swabbing and preparing bacterial cultures. Its importance lies in maintaining sterility and ensuring accurate microbial assessments. Cotton swabs allow for precise inoculation during agar diffusion tests, playing a critical role in valid experimental results.
25) Agada:
Agada refers to a scientist or researcher contributing to the study. Recognizing individual contributions is essential in scientific research as it highlights collaboration among experts and the shared pursuit of knowledge, leading to a comprehensive understanding of garlic’s properties.
26) Gupta:
Gupta may indicate a researcher's contribution within the study or related literature. Acknowledging researchers is vital in the academic community, showcasing collaborative efforts that drive advancements in understanding natural remedies like garlic’s antibacterial prowess.
27) Chati:
Chati refers to one of the authors or contributors to the research on garlic. Identifying contributors emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific research and encourages knowledge sharing. Studies often involve multiple experts working together to explore complex biological interactions.
28) Bakri:
Bakri is likely a contributing researcher associated with the bacterial research within the study. Recognizing the roles of individual researchers is crucial for accountability and integrity in scientific endeavors, facilitating a more robust understanding of garlic's therapeutic properties.
29) Janta (Jamta):
Janda likely represents an author or researcher involved in the study. Acknowledging contributors is integral to the credibility of scientific work, highlighting the collaborative nature of research in exploring and validating natural remedies, such as garlic's antibacterial effectiveness.
30) Cina:
China is referenced in the context of the research concerning garlic's applications in traditional medicine. The mention of geographical context adds historical significance, showcasing how cultural practices influence the understanding of garlic’s health benefits and its role in global medicinal traditions.
31) Kana:
Kana refers to a contributor within the study or related literature. Acknowledging individuals involved in research emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific work, driving advancements in understanding the medicinal properties of natural substances like garlic.
32) Food:
Food reflects the context in which garlic is commonly used, linking culinary applications to its health benefits. Understanding garlic as food highlights the intersection of nutrition and medicine, advocating for the incorporation of natural ingredients with medicinal properties into diets for improved health.
33) Drug:
Drug signifies a substance used for medicinal purposes, encompassing both synthetic and natural compounds. In the study, garlic is explored as a natural drug with antibacterial properties, emphasizing the importance of understanding alternative therapies in response to challenges in modern medicine.