Antimicrobial activity of Monascus purpureus-derived red pigments against Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis
2025

Antimicrobial Activity of Red Pigments from Monascus purpureus

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Teiba Islam, Mamdouh Islam, Yousef Mokhtar, Hussein Ahmed, El-Bilawy Emad

Primary Institution: Tanta University

Hypothesis

This study aims to explore the antibacterial effects of red dye derived from Monascus purpureus against specific bacterial pathogens.

Conclusion

The Monascus purpureus-derived red dye extract shows significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Salmonella typhimurium, suggesting it could be a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Supporting Evidence

  • The red dye extract demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against all three tested strains.
  • It showed the strongest activity against S. typhimurium, with MIC and MBC values of 6.25 and 12.5 µg/ml.
  • The extract exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, with MIC and MBC values of 50 and 100 µg/ml.
  • The weakest activity was observed against E. coli, both with MIC and MBC values of 100 µg/ml.
  • The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against S. typhimurium, producing an inhibition zone of 20 ± 0.22 mm.

Takeaway

This study found that a natural red dye from a fungus can kill harmful bacteria, which might help us find better ways to fight infections without using traditional antibiotics.

Methodology

The study involved extracting red dye from Monascus purpureus and testing its antibacterial effects against three bacterial strains using MIC and MBC methods.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s13568-024-01801-5

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