Disruption of microbial cell morphology by Buxus macowanii

Abstract

Background: Microbial infections are one of the major causes of death globally. This is attributed to the rising costs of primary healthcare and its inaccessibility especially in developing countries. Moreover, there has been an increase in microbial strains that have reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. Research on the antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants, which could address these problems, has become more important as they present fewer side effects when compared to the antibiotics currently in use. This study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of a methanolic extract from Buxus macowanii in order to assess its potential in the development of novel antimicrobial drugs. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of the extract was evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The effects of B. macowanii on the morphology of B. cereus were observed using Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy. Chemical profiling of the plant extract was performed using the GCMS. Results: The extract showed antimicrobial activity against all the microbial species used. Microscopic examination of the cells of B. cereus cells treated with Buxus macowanii showed some changes in morphology such as damage of the cell wall, swelling of the cells and incomplete cell division that eventually resulted in cell death. Neophytadiene, an antimicrobial compound was detected in the extract using GCMS. Conclusion: The morphological disruptions of the cell wall of Bacillus cereus explain the antimicrobial properties of B. macowanii and indicate its possible application in the development of natural antimicrobial drugs.

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants in Indonesia on Streptococcus pneumoniae

“…pneumoniae still remains undetermined in this study. A study also reported that plant extract induces various effects on bacteria including bacterial lysis, cell wall disorder, swelling, and cell division anomaly which were reported on Bacillus cereus treated with extract of Buxus macowanii [ 58 ]. Moreover, detection of DNA or RNA released by cells into media was not able to determine bacterial leakage caused by plant extract since we found inconsistent data obtained overtime due to nucleotide degradation (DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20364249 ).…”

The inhibitory effect of a novel neem paste against cariogenic bacteria

“…Other medicinal herbs that have anti-microbial activity also contain substances found in neem extract. This includes such as β-Bourbonene ( 28 ), β-copaene, β-caryophyllene ( 29 ), δ-Cadinene ( 30 ), Neophytadiene ( 31 ). Moreover, some substances in neem, such as γ-Muurolene, has anti-nociception property in tested animal models ( 32 ).…”

Biological activity of folkloric plants used in the treatment of ‘u wela’ against pathogens

“…Three plant extracts with 0.02 mg/mL MIC values were found in X. zambesiaca, M. zeyheri, and A. grandiflora, followed by E. transvaalense with two plant extracts with excellent antibacterial activity. Traditional health practitioners employ the boiled stem and roots of X. zambesiaca to cure stomach symptoms and 'Nyoko', a gall bladder dysfunction (Ngobeni 2016). Furthermore, it is used in traditional remedies to treat diabetes and gastrointestinal problems.…”