Antimicrobial Potential of Ethanolic Fruit Extracts from Terminalia pallida | InformativeBD

S. Veni Madhavi, P. Ramesh, D. Sudheer Kumar, and B. Kiran Kumar, from the different institute of India. wrote a Research Article about, Antimicrobial Potential of Ethanolic Fruit Extracts from Terminalia pallida. Entitled, Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of ethanolic fruit extracts of Terminalia pallida Brandis.This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences (IJB). an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Terminalia pallida has been traditionally used to treat cough, cold, diarrhea, respiratory infections, peptic ulcers, diabetes, fissures, cracks, skin diseases and used in the tanning and dyeing industries. Owing to its bioactive compounds, such as tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of T. pallida fruit extracts against various microbial strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and zone of inhibition measurements against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The MIC indicated that S. aureus, B. cereus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli were sensitive to the extract at 12.5 mg/ml. However, E. aerogenes and P. aeruginosa required higher concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/ml, respectively, to inhibit growth. For fungal strains, MIC was observed as 25 mg/ml. The zone of inhibition studies confirmed these findings, showing significant inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria at both low and high doses of the extract. P. aeruginosa exhibited moderate sensitivity at the high dose, while E. coli and E. aerogenes showed resistance. In fungal strains, C. albicans was found to be more sensitive than A. niger. Ethanolic fruit extract of T. pallida demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, with dose-dependent efficacy. Further research is needed to optimize the concentrations and explore mechanisms to enhance the activity against resistant Gram-negative strains.

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Introduction 

Plants have traditionally been used to treat various infections, and modern research has validated the antimicrobial properties of many plant species. Herbal medicine is a promising alternative for combating infectious diseases (Chaughule and Barve, 2024; Singamaneni et al., 2020). The genus Terminalia, which comprises various species, has demonstrated significant antimicrobial properties that have been extensively explored in numerous studies (McGaw et al., 2001). Extracts from Terminalia species have shown effectiveness against different pathogens, including multiple microbes such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses (Fyhrquist et al., 2014). The literature on Terminalia species shows significant antimicrobial properties, especially in T. ferdinandiana, T. bellarica, and T. chebula, against drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi such as Candida (Konczak, 2014). These properties are attributed to bioactive compounds, such as tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids, found in various plant parts. Therefore, we hypothesized that T. pallida fruits which are used as a substitute for T. chebula, may exhibit similar antimicrobial effects. This hypothesis justifies screening T. pallida fruits for antimicrobial activity, potentially contributing to new, natural treatments for resistant infections (Dwivedi, 2007; Gurib-Fakim, 1994; Kesharwani et al., 2017; Latheef, 2007).

Terminalia pallida Brandis, commonly known as the pale-leaved Terminalia, is a prominent species of the Combretaceae family. T. pallida is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (Anonymous, 1976). It is a semi-evergreen tree that grows to a height of 40 feet. It is endemic to the Eastern Ghats, particularly on the hilltops of dry deciduous forests. This species is mainly found in Chittoor and Kadapa districts (Kameswara Rao, 2003). The tree leaves are thick, simple, alternate, ovate to elliptic pale green leaves and their flowers are pale yellow, appearing as simple terminal and axillary spikes. The fruits were glossy, light green and faintly ridged when dry. T. pallida have a generation age of 29 years (Gupta, 2002). According to the IUCN Red List, the number of T. pallida is decreasing in the wild, and it has been given a vulnerable status and is recognized for its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Dokuparthi et al., 2014; Sarvan Kumar et al., 2021).

Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant global health burden, with diseases caused by Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Candida leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2008). Despite advances in modern medicine, including the development of vaccines and antibiotics, challenges remain owing to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens and limited access to healthcare (WHO, 2012). Current treatment options for infectious diseases often rely on antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals; however, the overuse and misuse of these drugs have led to increasing resistance, rendering some treatments ineffective. Additionally, the rapid pace of urbanization, climate change, and increased global connectivity have facilitated the spread of infectious diseases, creating new challenges for global public health systems (Prestinaci, 2015). The objective of this research is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Terminalia pallida fruit extracts against various bacterial and fungal strains. The study aims to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and assess the zone of inhibition for these strains, with particular interest in optimizing concentrations to enhance efficacy against microbes and understanding the potential of T. pallida as an antimicrobial agent.

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