Investigating Antibacterial Properties of <i>Tecomella undulata</i> and <i>Momordica charantia</i> Plant Extracts on Some Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Background: Today, due to microbial resistance to antibiotics, herbs and their compounds are commonly used as alternative antibiotics. The extracts of some plants can inhibit the growth of microorganisms as new antimicrobial agents. Thus, they can have great applications in medical science and food industry. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of Tecomella undulata and Momordica charantia extracts on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella dysenteriae. Methods: After the identification and collection of plant samples, they were dried and underwent extraction using a rotary machine following the soaking method. The microdilution method was used to determine the antibacterial properties of the extracts on standard strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella dysenteriae. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations of Tecomella undulata extract against the studied bacteria were 1.87 to 3.75 mg/ml. The highest lethal concentration of leaf extract was 15 mg/mL and the lowest lethal concentration of Momordica charantia extract was 1.87 to 3.75 mg/mL. The highest Momordica charantia extract concentration was 15 mg/mL and Shigella dysenteriae were eliminated at this concentration, Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that various concentrations of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tecomella undulata and Momordica charantia had inhibitory effects on human pathogens.