Research Article
Brahim Labed, Noureddine Gherr
Abstract
Disk diffusion and micro-dilution techniques were used to determine the antibacterial activity of water extracts of three parts (roots, stems and leaves) of Traganum nudatum against five clinical bacterial strains: (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Sp, Salmonella typhis, and Pseudomonas aeruginasa. The inhibition zone varies depending on bacterial species and type of extract. The average diameter of inhibition zones ranges from 0 to 24 mm, 0 to 12.5 mm and 0 to 19 mm for roots, stems and leaves extracts, respectively. The MIC value of roots extract was 0.0625 mg/ml against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp, and Staphylococcus aureus, while that of stems extract was 0.125 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sp. As far as leaves are concerned, the MIC value was 0.0625 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and 0.10 mg/ml against Streptococcus sp, and Staphylococcus aureus. In general, the obtained results showed that the antibacterial activity of Traganum nudatum extracts was more effective against Grampositive bacteria than Gram-negative. Phytochemical screening of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids.