Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most abundant facultative anaerobe present in the intestine of humans and many other warm-blooded species. Most strains of E. coli are non-pathogenic, co-existing in harmony with their hosts; however, this species can also be regarded as a pathogen capable of causing a wide variety of illnesses. The gastrointestinal tract, meninges and kidneys are among the target organs affected by E. coli and diseases resulting from these infections include diarrhoea, sepsis, dysentery, meningitis and even pneumonia. E. coli’s resistance to major antibiotics is escalating worldwide, highlighting the need for the development of new treatment options. Berberis vulgaris L. (B. vulgaris L.) has long been used as a herbal remedy in several traditional medicine systems for the treatment of a variety of complaints. The aim of this study is to determine the antibacterial activity of B. vulgaris mother tincture (Ø) on E. coli in-vitro, using Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion and the Microdilution methods to confirm the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). This quantitative in-vitro control study was conducted at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein Campus at the Water and Health Research Centre (WHRC) with permission granted. The antimicrobial activity of B. vulgaris Ø was tested against 32 E. coli strains using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method (to confirm growth inhibition) and the 96 well dilutions method (MIC). Results were statistically analysed by the researcher with the assistance of a statistician (STATKON). Parametric tests included the Kolmogorov-Smirnova test of normality and one sample T-test. Non-parametric testing comprised of the Friedman test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test to summarize all the data acquired from the susceptibility test procedures. The results demonstrated that Berberis vulgaris Ø inhibited the growth of 90% of the 30 E. coli strains tested, which was confirmed by the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion and Microdilution methods. The B. vulgaris Ø produced average antimicrobial effects during the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method, and the minimum dosing or decreased concentration of the active compound may have been an influence. When the E. coli bacterial strains were forced into contact with the compound during the microdilution method, growth inhibition was increased. Berberis vulgaris Ø has positively demonstrated its clinical efficacy, tolerability and in-vitro activity against the pathogenic E. coli strains in its entirety...
M.Tech. (Homeopathy)