Assessment of Euphorbia hirta L. Leaf, Flower, Stem and Root Extracts for Their Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity and Brine Shrimp Lethality

Abstract

The antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extracts of Euphorbia hirta Lleaves, flowers, stems and roots were evaluated against some medically important bacteria and yeast using the agar disc diffusion method. Four Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus sp., Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringensis), four Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi and P. mirabilis) and one yeast (Candida albicans) species were screened. Inhibition zones ranged between 16–29 mm. Leaves extract inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms with large zones of inhibition, followed by that of flowers, which also inhibited all the bacteria except C. albicans. The most susceptible microbes to all extracts were S. aureus and Micrococcus sp. Root extract displayed larger inhibition zones against Gram positive bacteria than Gram negative bacteria and had larger inhibition zones compared to stem extract. The lowest MIC values were obtained with E. coli and C. albicans (3.12 mg/mL), followed by S. aureus (12.50 mg/mL) and P. mirabilis (50.00 mg/mL). All the other bacteria had MIC values of 100.00 mg/mL. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies revealed that the cells exposed to leaf extract displayed a rough surface with multiple blends and invaginations which increased with increasing time of treatment, and cells exposed to leaf extract for 36 h showed the most damage, with abundant surface cracks which may be related to final cell collapse and loss of function. Time-kill assay of C. albicans indicated a primarily fungicidal effect at 1- and 2-fold MIC. E. hirta extracts had LC50 values of 0.71, 0.66, 0.41 and 0.03 mg/mL for stems, leaves, roots and flowers, respectively against Artemia salina. Hence, these plants can be used to discover new bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

Toxicity Effects of Methanolic Extract of Euphorbia hirta-Honey Mixture in Albino Rats

“…The plant has been reported to contain alkaloids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids [13]. It is among the group of popular herbs used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases such as intestinal parasites, diarrohea, peptic ulcers, heartburn, vomiting, amoebic dysentery, asthma, bronchitis, hay fever, laryngeal spasms, emphysema, coughs, colds, kidney stones, menstrual problems, sterility and veneral diseases [14].…”

“…It is characterized by the presence of white milky latex which is more or less toxic [12,13]. It is usually erect, slender-stemmed, and spreading up to 80 cm tall (although sometimes it is seen lying down) [14]. It is an annual broad-leaved herb that has a hairy stem with many branches from the base to the top.…”

“…Studies had revealed the anti-bacterial [15], anti-helminthic, antiretroviral [16], anti-plasmodial, anti-amoebic [17], anti-oxidant [18], sedative, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal [19] and anti-malaria [14] activities of Euphorbia hirta. The plant has been reported to contain alkaloids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids [13].…”

Pharmacology and therapeutic potential of Euphorbia hirta (Syn: Euphorbia pilulifera)- A review

“…Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the cells exposed to leaf extract displayed a rough surface with multiple blends and invaginations which increased with increasing time of treatment. Cells exposed to leaf extract for 36 h showed sever damage, with abundant surface cracks which may be related to final cell collapse and loss of function [76]. The Euphorbia hirta methanol extract showed a potent antimicrobial (MIC 0.250 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia [77].The antibacterial activity of the ethanol and petroleum ether extracts of Euphorbia hirta was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Vibrio cholera and Escherichia col.…”

Prophylactic and curative anti-ulcerative colitis activity and the possible mechanisms of action of some desert plants

“…Five extracts were potential antioxidants: C. dioscoridis, Solanum nigrum, Salvia lanigera, O. syriacum 6 , and Solenostemma arghel 10 . Both C. dioscoridis and E. hirta extracts showed antidiarrheal 11,12 , hypoglycemic 13,14 , and antimicrobial activities 15,16 . In addition, Salvia lanigera aerial parts ether soluble fraction was found to be highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Sreptomyces viridochromogenes) 17 .…”