Effect of methanolic extract of Ruta graveolens on Enterococcus fecalis growth

Introduction & aim: Enterococcus fecalis is responsible for often 90% of enterococci infections. It can causes bacteremia, urinary system ulcer, biliary and endocarditis in adult and meningitis and septicemia in pediatrics. Regarding to our previous study about hydro-alcoholic and aqueous of Ruta on the growth of Enterococcus fecalis and no effect on it, our aim in this study has been effect of this herb on enterococcus fecalis growth. Materials & Methods: 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 and aqueous extract of Ruta graveolens on growth of bacteria has been evaluated by disc diffusion and serial dilution method and compared with eight prevalent antibiotics. Results: In the first test, none of disks with methanolic extract in the range of 10 to 40 µg/µl show any non-growth hallo. In the second test disks with 40 µg of methanloic extract in comparison with antibiotic disks did not avoid from growth of bacteria. In third test for determination of MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration) in all of test tubes except case test tube turbidity were seen that show the growth of bacteria and ineffectiveness of various amount of extract. Conclusion: It seems that this ineffectiveness is because of low antibacterial substance against the bacteria in methanlic extract of the herb and probably is because of high resistant nature of Enterococcus fecalis to antibiotics.

Keywords: Ruta, Enterococcus fecalis, methanolic extract