Synergism between natural product extracts and antibiotics against  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Acharawan Thongmee; Patamaporn Sukplang

Authors

Acharawan Thongmee Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani 12000, Thailand
Patamaporn Sukplang Department of Medical Science, Faculty of Science, Rangsit University, Patumthani 12000, Thailand

Keywords:

methicillin-resistant S. aureus, natural product extracts, synergism, MRSA

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as one of the major infective agents causing both community and hospital acquired infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the multidrug resistant strains. Therefore, very few antibiotics are effective in treating infections caused by MRSA. Many compounds were synthesized and developed for the treatment of MRSA infections. In this study, twenty-five natural products, such as Capsicum flutescens L., Piper nigerum, Gracinia mangostana, Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb. , Aloe vera L., etc., were determined for antimicrobial activities. In addition, synergisms between these natural products and antibiotics were also studied. The results showed that bergamot oil demonstrated antibacterial activity against MRSA and Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The MIC and MBC of bergamot oil against both strains were 0.39 mg/ml and 0.78 mg/ml, respectively. It was found that a combination of bergamot oil and tetracycline reduced the MIC and MBC of tetracycline which indicated that they worked synergistically against MRSA and MSSA.

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