Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts and Fractions from Aerial Parts of Selected Plants (Garcinia achachairu, Macrosiphonia velame, Rubus niveus and Pilea microphylla) Against Some Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract

As part of the program of our research group to search for new and effective substances from the Brazilian biodiversity, the present work evaluates the antibacterial activity of four species from the Brazilian flora (Garcinia achachairu, Macrosiphonia velame, Rubus niveus and Pilea microphylla) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and S. saprophyticus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium) and Candida albicans (yeast). The extracts of R. niveus and M. velame showed promising antibacterial activity with MICs, ranging from 1000 to 125 µg/mL. Bio-guided fractionation of M. velame yielded four compounds, with the highest inhibition being observed for compound 3, with a MIC of 125 µg/mL against S. aureus. The combinations of fractions 2 and 4 showed beneficial effect against Gram-positive bacteria (additive effect), suggesting a possible synergistic effect.

Vasodilation and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of 3-Demethyl-2-Geranyl-4-Prenylbellidifoline, a Xanthone Obtained from Garcinia achachairu, in Hypertensive Rats

“…Also referred to as “achachairu”, this evergreen tree belongs to the Clusiaceae family and has been traditionally utilized by indigenous communities for its medicinal benefits. Preparations obtained from different parts of this plant have already been the subject of studies revealing antimicrobial [ 15 ], gastroprotective [ 16 ], anti-inflammatory [ 17 ], and diuretic [ 18 ] properties. In the present study, we extended these actions to understand the benefits of this plant in mechanisms that contribute to the control of blood pressure, since the demonstration of diuretic activity has already opened this promising perspective.…”

Bibliometric review of achachairu (Garcinia humilis): a promising agent for health and future food applications

“…An examination of the group of studies identified using the search terms Garcinia humilis and achachairu revealed that Guttiferone A was the predominant compound identified in the seed of the fruit (Niero et al, 2012). The studies highlighted that the raw methanolic extract and the pure compound (Guttiferone A) exhibit a rich medicinal profile, showing antinociceptive and gastroprotective properties with antileishmanial and antimicrobial activities (Dal Molin et al, 2012;Cechinel-Filho et al, 2013;Melim et al, 2013), low genotoxicity (Marques et al, 2012), analgesic properties (Terrazas et al, 2013), effects against certain models of induced ulcers and reduction of gastric secretion (Niero et al, 2012), in addition to pronounced antiproliferative activity against cell lines, revealing potential anticancer activity (Mariano et al, 2015).…”

In vivo evaluation of the genetic toxicity of Rubus niveus Thunb. (Rosaceae) extract and initial screening of its potential chemoprevention against doxorubicin-induced DNA damage

“…Root is also used for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea (Pfoze et al, 2012). Chemical and pharmacological studies have shown that products from aerial parts and some extracts have nematicidal activity (Sultana et al, 2010); antimicrobial activity of extracts and fractions from aerial parts Melin et al (2013); and root extract have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic (George et al, 2013), antitumor and wound healing properties (George et al, 2014).…”