Planta Med 2012; 78 - PL3
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1321337

Evaluation of antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens on Enterococcus fecalis

H Honarmand 1, A Saeidinia 2, SF Delavar 2
  • 1Member of Medicinal Plants research center of student Basij, Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran
  • 2Cellular & Molecular Research center Department, Guilan university of medical science, Rasht, Iran

Enterococci are the second most cause of nosocomial infection. Enterococcus fecalis is responsible for often 90% of enterococci infections that usually are transferred by hand of health care workers and instruments. It can causes bacteremia, urinary system ulcer, biliary and endocarditis in adult and meningitis and septicemia in pediatrics. In order to adverse effects of chemical and synthetic drugs, it has made a positive attitude toward alternating herbal medicine instead of chemical ones. Ruta graveolens is an ancient herb in Iranian traditional medicine and other nations and has a wide therapeutic application for various diseases. Aim of this study has been effect of this herb on enterococcus fecalis growth.

In this investigation we used standard Enterococcus fecalis PTCC-1237 which prepared from collection of bacteria and fungi, scientific and industrial research organization. Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens on growth of bacteria has been evaluated by disc diffusion and serial dilution method and compared with eight prevalent antibiotics.

Extract in range of 10 to 200µg/µl didn't avoid from growth of bacteria in both MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration) but bacteria was susceptible to 6 antibiotics.

In this study preventive effect on growth of bacteria were not seen. It seems that this result is from high resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and it recommended more studies.