Plant Genomics

Biography

Biography: Juliana Janet R Martin-Puzon

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents and evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activities of Glinus oppositifolius or carpet weed, a plant valued for its use in traditional medicine and as a vegetable. The leaves, stems and roots were extracted using chloroform, ethanol and methanol. Phytochemical screening revealed that the entire G. oppositifolius plant, i.e., roots, stems and leaves, is a rich source of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, sterols, tannins and triterpenes. The antibacterial activity of the leaf and stem extracts were evaluated through disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), extended spectrum β-lactamase producing (ESβL+), carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and metallo-β-lactamase producing (MβL+) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The leaf extracts revealed antibacterial activities, inhibiting the growth of non resistant and multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of the Gram negative bacteria E. coli, P. aeruginosa and A. baumanii. In conclusion, the various biological activities of G. oppositifolius, including its antibacterial activity, are due to the presence of diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. The presence of phytochemical compounds in G. oppositifolius is scientific evidence on its use for treatment of many ailments. Thus, the results demonstrate the great potential of the plant as a new, alternative source of antimicrobials and other components with therapeutic value.