Bitter leaf extracts, particularly from Vernonia amygdalina, show promise in enhancing the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, potentially reducing dosages and side effects. Research indicates that these extracts possess moderate antibacterial properties, especially against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting their potential as adjuncts to conventional antibiotics.
In a new study, researchers systematically evaluated the antibacterial properties of Vernonia amygdalina as part of the ongoing search for effective, resistance-free alternatives to conventional antibiotics, which is crucial given the rising antibiotic resistance globally.
The study published in the Newport International Journal of Biological and Applied Sciences found that bitter leaf extract exhibits moderate antibacterial activity, particularly against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting its potential as an alternative treatment.
The researchers at Kampala International University compared the antibacterial activity of bitter leaf extract with that of the standard antibiotic, gentamicin. They also checked the extract’s constituents to understand its antibacterial potential.
However, bitter leaf displayed no antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and could not be compared with the standard antibiotic.
However, they claimed that the bitter leaf’s antibacterial activity also demonstrates potential synergistic effects when combined with traditional antibiotics, enhancing their efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains.
Studies indicate that the use of plant extracts combined with antimicrobials may promote a significant reduction in the minimum dose of antibiotics required for effective antimicrobial effects, which is interesting because it may decrease both the risk of side effects and the costs of treatment.
Studies have shown the increased efficacy of antibiotics like gentamicin and chloramphenicol against Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common cause of infections in both humans and animals, when combined with plant extracts.
Salmonellosis is becoming a common illness in underdeveloped nations, and specifically, typhoid fever is a major public health concern due to its high likelihood of recurrence. Salmonella has become resistant to numerous drugs, making it necessary to look for effective novel antibacterial substances from alternative sources, including plants.
In a study, researchers at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina claimed that bitter leaf could be a promising candidate for developing new anti-Salmonella treatments that can contribute to the management of salmonellosis in underdeveloped nations.
In the UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research, they had investigated the antibacterial activity of bitter leaf extracts against 10 clinical isolates of Salmonella and found both the ethanol and water extracts of bitter leaf had a significant antibacterial effect on these germs.
According to them, bitter leaf has antibacterial activity against Salmonella and should be investigated further for potential application in developing anti-Salmonella medications and managing salmonellosis.
Research indicates that combining bitter leaf extracts with antibiotics like ampicillin and oxytetracycline results in significant synergistic effects, reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) required for bacterial inhibition.
They suggested that bitter leaf extracts may reverse antibiotic resistance mechanisms, such as efflux pumps and reduced membrane permeability, thereby increasing the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics.
Additionally, these extracts can enhance the bioavailability of antibiotics, further contributing to their efficacy against resistant bacteria.
They said this empirical evidence for the antibacterial properties of bitter leaf supports its traditional use in treating bacterial infections and encourages further exploration of herbal remedies to develop new plant-derived antibacterial agents and research to optimize their use in clinical settings.
While the synergistic potential of bitter leaf extracts with antibiotics is promising, further clinical studies are necessary to validate these findings and explore their practical applications in treating bacterial infections. This could enhance their application in clinical settings and provide a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Bitter leaf has long been used to treat various conditions, such as bacterial infections and persistent skin ulcers. Bitter leaf extracts are also frequently used by traditional healers throughout Africa to treat bacterial illnesses, even when antibiotics have not been effective.
Compared to traditional antibiotics, several traditional herbal extracts have the potential to be natural antibacterial agents with fewer adverse effects. Turmeric, cactus, and flaxseed are examples of herbal extracts inhibiting MDR bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia.
These extracts, especially in methanolic and aqueous forms, have inhibitory effects on these disease-causing bacteria, according to data from several investigations. Additionally, it emphasized the synergistic benefits that are shown when these herbal extracts are used with traditional antibiotics, which may lead to lower antibiotic prescriptions.
Source : tribuneonlineng.com
