Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of an ethanol extract from Genipa americana

Genipa americana is widely distributed throughout the tropical, parts of the subtropical areas of Latin America and the savannah transition zone. This plant is a natural source of iron, riboflavin, and anti-bacterial substances. We studied the presence of polyphenols and tested the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of G. americana. Leaves were harvested in UPIS, Lagoa Bonita Farm, Planaltina-DF, Brazil. This material was macerated with ethanol for five days. The ethanolic extract was tested against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which were obtained from dogs presenting dermatitis. MICs were determined in a 96-well assay using a tetrazolium salts as readout. The ABTS method was used for determination of antioxidant activity and the polyphenol content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteau. The total polyphenol content in G. americana extract was 111,73 mg/100 g while the antioxidant activity corresponded to 89 mM/g. MIC were to 1,25 mg/mL for both bacteria strains. G. americana may have some potential as an adjunctive topical treatment against dermatitis. However, are needed to substantiate these findings.