Effects ofMesua ferreaLeaf and Fruit Extracts on Growth and Morphology ofStaphylococcus aureus

Abstract

AbstractMesua ferreais traditionally used for treating bleeding piles, fever, and renal diseases. It has been reported to have antimircobial activity. In the present study, antibacterial efficacy of leaf and fruit extracts on the growth and morphology ofStaphylococcus aureusis evaluated. Both extracts display good antibacterial activity againstS. aureuswith a minimum inhibition concentration of 0.048 mg/mL. Both extracts are bacteriostatic at a minimum bacteriostatic concentration of 0.39 mg/mL. The bacteriostatic activity lasts for 24 h, and then cells start to grow as normal as shown in time-kill analysis. Scanning electron microscopy study indicated potential detrimental effect of the extracts of leaf and fruits ofM. ferreaon the morphology ofS. aureus. The treatment with the extracts caused extensive lysis of the cells, leakage of intracellular constituents, and aggregation of cytoplasmic contents forming an open meshwork of the matrix.