Antibacterial Activities of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Portulaca oleracea Leaves and Seeds in Sistan Region, Southeastern Iran

Abstract

Background: Many efforts have been made by researchers to find new antibiotics which are clinically useful against bacteria and drug resistant microorganisms. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves and seeds of the Portulaca oleracea plant in traditional medicine of Sistan region, southeast of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, from January 2010 to January 2012, we studied the antibacterial activity of P. oleracea extract using nine bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains) which were resistant to standard antibiotics such as erythromycin, cefixime, ceftazidime, tetracycline, ampicillin and amikacin. Bacterial strains were obtained from a standard laboratory. Broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of P. oleracea L. leave and seed had antibacterial effects on selected drug resistant bacterial strains. Conclusions: The leaves and seeds extract of P. oleracea has a remarkable antibacterial effect and it can be a good alternative when we are faced with drug resistance bacteria. However, more studies are required.