Antibacterial activity of some natural pigments in Egypt

Abstract

Crude phenolic-extracts were taken from the peels of different plants, including Solanum melongena (eggplant), Beta vulgaris (red beet), Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Capsicum annuum (paprika), Daucus carota (carrot), Citrus reticulata (tangerine), Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) and Actinidia deliciosa (kiwi). These extracts showed remarkable antibacterial activities against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest inhibition was observed with Daucus carota and Solanum melongena extracts. The pathogenic microorganisms showed avariable susceptibility to different antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin (cip) was the most effective one among the other tested antibiotics. The bactericidal effect of carrot extract and eggplant extract in combination with cip against Staphylococcus aureus P59 (VISA P59) and Escherichia coli O157 ATCC51659 was recognized by disc diffusion assay. The results demonstrated a considerable antibacterial effect when plant extracts and antibiotics were used to combat the tested microorganisms. When mixed with cip, the extract from Solanum melongena showed larger inhibitory zones than those of Daucus carota.