Antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of extracts of Terminalia brownii roots and stem
2007

Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity of Terminalia brownii Extracts

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mbwambo Zakaria H, Moshi Mainen J, Masimba Pax J, Kapingu Modest C, Nondo Ramadhani SO

Primary Institution: Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences

Hypothesis

The study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of extracts from Terminalia brownii.

Conclusion

The study supports the traditional medicinal use of Terminalia brownii, particularly its aqueous extracts, for treating infections.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aqueous extracts showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.
  • Root extracts were more active against bacteria and fungi than stem extracts.
  • The study found that some extracts had low toxicity to brine shrimp, indicating potential safety for medicinal use.

Takeaway

This study found that extracts from the Terminalia brownii plant can kill bacteria and fungi, and some are not very toxic to small shrimp, which is a good sign for safety.

Methodology

The study involved extracting plant materials using various solvents and testing their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

Limitations

The study did not explore the specific active compounds responsible for the observed activities.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI ranges provided for LC50 values.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6882-7-9

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication