Antibacterial Activity of Mentha piperita Leaf Extract against Staphylococcus aureus Induced Septicemia in Albino Rats: A Pharmacological Evaluation

  • Unique Paper ID: 168827
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 5
  • PageNo: 1875-1911
  • Abstract:
  • Plants have formed the basis of sophisticated traditional medicine system and natural products make excellent leads for new drug development (Newman et al, 2007). Many plants in Africa are medicinal. The use of medicinal natural plants predates the establishment of antibiotics and other modern drugs into the African continent. The antibacterial activity of Mentha piperita and a synthetic antibiotic (Gentamycin) on a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated in vivo using albino rats. Thirty two (32) male and female rats with weight ranging from 60 – 150g were purchased, housed, fed and nurtured for 14days of acclimatization before experiment commenced. Sixteen (16) albino (4 groups containing 4 rats each) was used for toxicological study (LD 50) which was determined to be 56568.54 mg/kg. Then the other 16rats were grouped into 4groups having 4rats each for in vivo antibacterial testing and were inoculated with 0.1 ml growing broth culture of Staphylococcus aureus. Blood was collected from the rats prior, during and after inoculation and treatment for septicemia. Treatment was done by administering 1ml of Gentamycin (equivalent to 4mg) to rat group D and 25980.75 mg/kg of purified aqueous plant extract to group B rats, Group C rats weren’t given any treatment while group A rats were only fed with feed and water. Results indicated that the extract of Mentha piperita leaves possesses moderate antibacterial activity but lesser than the antibiotic Gentamycin popularly used in antibacterial therapy. This result has shown the relative potency of Mentha piperita against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that causes Septicemia in vivo. Hence cannot substitute for antibiotics but their treatment maybe useful to intensify and strengthen the effects of antibiotics on pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.

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