In Vitro experimental assessment of Hypericum aethiopicum (Unsukumbili) ethanolic extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in wound sepsis: Antimicrobial susceptibility and phytochemical profiling study.

Mally S.R. Mamkhize; N.W. Nsele; S. Ghuman

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1869

Authors

Mally S.R. Mamkhize Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Dr N.W. Nsele Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban
Dr. S. Ghuman Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Durban University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1869

Keywords:

Hypericum aethiopicum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Wound healing, Traditional medicine, Antimicrobial resistance, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC)

Abstract

Background

Nosocomial infections, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, remain a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings. This Gram-negative pathogen is frequently implicated in wound sepsis and is noted for its resistance to multiple antibiotics.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Hypericum aethiopicum (locally known as unsukumbili) against P. aeruginosa, with a focus on its application in wound therapy.

Methodology

This study was conducted at Mangosuthu University of Technology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The study was carried out in vitro employing a vigorous experimental a. This in vitro experimental study employed a rigorous experimental method to investigate the antimicrobial potential of Hypericum aethiopicum against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. Methodology was designed to provide reliable, reproducible data while adhering to international standards for antimicrobial testing and ethical research practices.

Plant sample collection and preparation: Leaf samples of H. aethiopicum were harvested early in the morning (8:00 am), where plant cells are said to be active, and processed following the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia standards. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined.

Results

Ethanolic extracts exhibited significantly greater antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts (ethanolic inhibition zone was 24mm while aqueous inhibition zone was 8mm). No substantial difference was observed between fresh and dried leaf samples within each solvent type. MIC assays revealed complete inhibition of P. aeruginosa growth at 1:8 dilution and higher.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that H. aethiopicum ethanol extract demonstrates promising antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, indicating potential for development as an alternative treatment for infected wounds.

Recommendation

Further studies are required to evaluate its toxicity, bioactive compounds, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy.

Author Biographies

Mally S.R. Mamkhize, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

Mally S.R MaMkhize: Medical Technologist specialised in Clinical Pathology registered with HPCSA, recently acquired Masters degree in Health Sciences at Durban University of Technology and currently pursuing the PhD degree at Tshwane University of Technology, employed at Mangosuthu University of Technology as a Laboratory Medical Technologist in Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Microbiology with expertise in the indigenous research therapies and infectious diseases.

Dr N.W. Nsele, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Applied and Health Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, Durban

Dr. NW Nsele: Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Microbiology with expertise in phytopharmacology and infectious diseases.

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