Anti-bacterial Property and Cytotoxicity of Allium sativum and Myrtus communis Extracts Against Nosocomial Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Background: Microbial infections and the resistance to antibacterial drugs are on the rise, and scientists are in search of the safest and most effective approach to overcome them. Medicinal plants are potentially effective against many microorganisms. Therefore, this study was planned to examine the antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of the extracts of Allium sativum and Myrtus communis against bacteria that cause nosocomial infections. Methods: A. sativum and M. communis were collected from the northern regions of Iran during the spring. After preparing the hydroalcoholic extracts of A. sativum and M. communis, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC & MBC) were determined. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was asseyed in normal cells and Hu02 fibroblast cell line. Results: The MIC and MBC of A. sativum (62.5 mg/mL) against Salmonella enterica were similar. Also, the MIC of A. sativum and M. communis against Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were similar (62.5 & 15.6 mg/mL), respectively. The viability percentage of skin fibroblasts after treatment for 48 hours with the extract of A. sativum was significantly higher than that of M. communis. Conclusion: Both extracts from A. sativum and M. communis demonstrated good antimicrobial properties. Based on the results, the safe antibacterial potential of the extracts may be used as alternative agents to fight against nosocomial bacterial infections.