Abstract:
This work aims to perform phytochemical analysis of hydroethanolic extracts of three medicinal plants commonly used in folk medicine (Juniperus oxycedrus, Eucalyptus globulus, and Matricaria chamomilla) and to evaluate their antibacterial potential against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Disc diffusion method has been used to determine the antibacterial activities and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of different plant extracts against four Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes) and two Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed in Mueller Hinton agar with three commonly used antibiotics (tetracycline, vancomycin and oxacillin). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins and free quinones in all the extracts, whereas alkaloids were absent. The results of antibiogram revealed that all strains were resistant to tested antibiotics with exception of Staphylococcus aureus that was found to be susceptible to oxacillin. Also, obtained results showed that hydroethanolic extracts exhibited dose-dependent growth inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while no inhibitory effect on Gram negative bacteria was observed. In conclusion, the present work provides useful baseline information for the potential use of the studied plants in the fight against MDR strains.

Keywords: Juniperus Oxycedrus, Eucalyptus Globulus, Matricaria Chamomilla, Antibacterial Activity, Multi-Drug Resistant.