Herbal Science Research - antibacterial

Phytoterapy [sic]: a glimmer of hope in the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.

Site Editor — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:38:44 -0700

Phytoterapy: a glimmer of hope in the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.: Minerva Pediatr. 2007 Aug;59(4):389-395 Authors: Miniello VL, Brunetti L, Cafagna R, Lieggi MS, Lippolis P, Natile M, Francavilla R, Armenio L

Evidence on the efficacy of standardised phytoterapic extracts for the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) in children is reviewed. Echinacea extracts are widely used in European countries and in the United States as immune-stimulating agents. However, further prospective, appropriately powered clinical studies are required to confirm their benefits in reducing duration and severity of RRTIs.

PMID: 17947844 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Anti-TB activity of Evodia elleryana bark extract.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:58:23 -0700

Anti-TB activity of Evodia elleryana bark extract.: Fitoterapia. 2007 Apr;78(3):250-2 Authors: Barrows LR, Powan E, Pond CD, Matainaho T

An ethyl acetate extract of bark from Evodia elleryana produced significant growth inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis at concentrations only minimally inhibitory to human T cells. The crude extract yielded 95% inhibition of TB at 50 microg/ml. The crude extract yielded 29% growth inhibition of human T-cells in culture at that concentration.

PMID: 17350179 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent.

Site Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:54:43 -0700

Tea catechins as a potential alternative anti-infectious agent.: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2007 Jun;5(3):497-506 Authors: Song JM, Seong BL

Besides well-known health benefits, green tea catechins exert antimicrobial and antiviral activities against a variety of infectious agents. Although the detailed mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea catechins remains to be explored, the broad-spectrum activity of catechins may involve common target(s), such as the cell membrane, in addition to specific targets for each pathogen. This extends to antiviral activities, where many pronounced activities were reported for enveloped viruses. Yet, the effectiveness of tea catechins as antimicrobials is compromised by relative chemical instability and poor bioavailability. Whether tea catechins will emerge as a viable option as alternative medicine or as a synergistic combination therapy with pre-existing antivirals or antibiotics must therefore depend on a method of delivery that ensures its stability and bioavailability. However, green tea may provide an option for mitigating the health and economic burdens associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, especially considering the paucity of effective control measures. Considering the zoonotic nature of newly arising infectious diseases, the dual use of green tea components in both humans and livestock may reduce animal-human transmission, which would complement the current management of infectious diseases.

PMID: 17547513 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:20:18 -0700

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.:

Antibacterial activity of Venda medicinal plants.

Fitoterapia. 2007 May 24;

Authors: Steenkamp V, Fernandes AC, van Rensburg CE

Crude methanol and water extracts of 36 plants, employed in the treatment of diseases of probable bacterial etiology by the Venda people, were screened for antibacterial activity. Combretum molle, Peltophorum africanum, Piper capense, Terminalia sericea and Zanthoxylum davyi were the most active and presented MIC values </=1.00 mg/ml.

PMID: 17582701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Antibacterial potency of methanol extracts of lower plants.

Site Editor — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:16:59 -0700

Antibacterial potency of methanol extracts of lower plants.: J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2007 Mar;8(3):189-91 Authors: Ojo OO, Ajayi AO, Anibijuwon II

Antibacterial potency of methanol extracts of three green lower plants, Pneumatopteris afra, Platycerium bifurcatum and Nephrolepsis bisserata was determined using agar dilution method on clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp. and Salmomelia typhi. Antibacterial activities were observed at concentrations of 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 microg/ml. Their minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 12.5approximately 100 microg/ml. Extracts of P. afra and P. bifurcatum were most active. Antibacterial activities observed with N. bisserata were less pronounced with no detectable activity at extract concentrations of 12.5 and 25.0 microg/ml. E. coli, together with S. aureus appeared to be the most susceptible of the test bacteria while Klebsiella spp. was least sensitive. The significance of our findings is discussed.

In Vitro Activity of Olive Oil Polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori.

Site Editor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:49:56 -0800

In Vitro Activity of Olive Oil Polyphenols against Helicobacter pylori.: J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb 7;55(3):680-6 Authors: Romero C, Medina E, Vargas J, Brenes M, Castro AD

Helicobacter pylori is linked to a majority of peptic ulcers and to some types of gastric cancer, and resistance of the microorganism to antibiotic treatment is now found worldwide. Virgin olive oil is an unrefined vegetable oil that contains a significant amount of phenolic compounds. Under simulated conditions, we have demonstrated that these substances can diffuse from the oil into the gastric juice and be stable for hours in this acidic environment. In vitro, they exerted a strong bactericidal activity against eight strains of H. pylori, three of them resistant to some antibiotics. Among the phenolic compounds, the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycon showed the strongest bactericidal effect at a concentration as low as 1.3 mug/mL. Although the experimental conditions are different from other reported works, this bactericidal concentration is much lower than those found for phenolic compounds from tea, wine, and plant extracts. These results open the possibility of considering virgin olive oil a chemopreventive agent for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer, but this bioactivity should be confirmed in vivo in the future. Keywords: Olive oil; phenolic compounds; simulated digestion, Helicobacter pylori; antimicrobial.

In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils.

Site Editor — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:09:51 -0800

In vitro antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils.:
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006;6:39 Authors: Prabuseenivasan S, Jayakumar M, Ignacimuthu S

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of 21 plant essential oils against six bacterial species. METHODS: The selected essential oils were screened against four gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris) and two gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus at four different concentrations (1:1, 1:5, 1:10 and 1:20) using disc diffusion method. The MIC of the active essential oils were tested using two fold agar dilution method at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 25.6 mg/ml. RESULTS: Out of 21 essential oils tested, 19 oils showed antibacterial activity against one or more strains. Cinnamon, clove, geranium, lemon, lime, orange and rosemary oils exhibited significant inhibitory effect. Cinnamon oil showed promising inhibitory activity even at low concentration, whereas aniseed, eucalyptus and camphor oils were least active against the tested bacteria. In general, B. subtilis was the most susceptible. On the other hand, K. pneumoniae exhibited low degree of sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Majority of the oils showed antibacterial activity against the tested strains. However Cinnamon, clove and lime oils were found to be inhibiting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cinnamon oil can be a good source of antibacterial agents.

[Pharmacological effects of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis]

Site Editor — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:08:15 -0800

[Pharmacological effects of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis]: Przegl Lek. 2006;63(2):95-6 Authors: Kowalczyk E, Krzesiński P, Kura M, Niedworok J, Kowalski J, Błaszczyk J

Scutellaria baicalensis is a plant widely used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. Dry roots of Scutellaria baicalensis are used, especially as alcohol extracts. Flavonoids isolated from Radix Scutellariae have beneficial effects in hepatitis. Flavonoids derived from Scutellaria baicalensis produce antioxidative, antineoplastic, cardiomiocyte-protective activity. They inhibit agregation of platelets, permeability of capillary vessels, have antibacterial and anty-angiogenic effects.

Antibacterial activity of crude methanolic extract and its fractions of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria.

Site Editor — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:04:33 -0700

Antibacterial activity of crude methanolic extract and its fractions of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria.: Indian J Biochem Biophys. 2005 Dec;42(6):395-7 Authors: Akgul C, Saglikoglu G

The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract and its fractions of aerial parts of Aniheinis tinctoria (Asteraceae) was investigated against representative gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and gram-negative strains Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The activity was concentrated mainly in the dichloromethane (DCM) and hexane fractions of crude methanolic extract. The 5 mg of DCM extract per disk produced 15-16 mm of inhibition zone against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, however, no activity was found against E. faecalis and E. coli. The hexane fraction showed activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. As DCM fraction showed the highest antibacterial activity in the disk diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of only this fraction was determined against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These values were found to be in the range of 1.25 to 10 mg/ml.

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis induced by the herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba.

Site Editor — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:47:49 -0700

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis induced by the herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba.: Med J Aust. 2006 Jun 5; 184(11): 583-4 Pennisi RS

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a clinical reaction pattern that is induced, in over 90% of cases, by systemic drugs (most frequently antibacterial drugs). This is the first reported case of AGEP caused by the herbal remedy Ginkgo biloba.

Immune cell activation and subsequent epithelial dysfunction by Staphylococcus enterotoxin B is attenuated by the green tea...

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:23:05 -0700

Immune cell activation and subsequent epithelial dysfunction by Staphylococcus enterotoxin B is attenuated by the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate.: Cell Immunol. 2005 Sep;237(1):7-16 Authors: Watson JL, Vicario M, Wang A, Moreto M, McKay DM

Bacterial superantigens (SAg) are potent T cell activators and when delivered systemically elicit a self-limiting enteropathy in mice. Also, SAg-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increase enteric epithelial cell monolayer permeability in vitro. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol component of green tea (Camilla sinesis) leaf, has been presented as an anti-inflammatory agent. We tested the hypothesis that EGCG (10-100 microM) would block PBMC activation by the SAg, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB, 1 microg/ml), thus preventing disruption of the epithelial barrier. Pretreatment or co-treatment of human PBMC or murine lymphnode cells with EGCG significantly reduced SEB-induced proliferation and IL-2, IFNgamma, and TNFalpha production. ConA-induced proliferation was also inhibited by EGCG (50 microM) co-treatment. These effects of EGCG were not due to induction of immune cell apoptosis, and were independent of EGCGs anti-oxidant activity, and inhibition of NF-kappaB or AP-1 activation. Moreover, addition of exogenous IL-2 (20 ng/ml) to the cultures could not overcome the immunosuppressive effect of EGCG. Culture supernatant from PBMC stimulated in the presence of EGCG failed to increase the permeability of T84 epithelial cell monolayers: a finding consistent with the reduced IFNgamma and TNFalpha production by SAg+EGCG treated PBMC. These data promote EGCG as a suppressor of T cell activation, and given the prominent role that bacteria and T cells play in inflammatory disease we suggest that EGCG could be a useful addition to current treatments for enteric immune disorders and T cell driven immunopathologies.

Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and associated urease by oregano and cranberry phytochemical synergies.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:18:56 -0700

Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and associated urease by oregano and cranberry phytochemical synergies.: Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 Dec;71(12):8558-64

Authors: Lin YT, Kwon YI, Labbe RG, Shetty K

Ulcer-associated dyspepsia is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori is linked to a majority of peptic ulcers. Antibiotic treatment does not always inhibit or kill H. pylori with potential for antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the potential for using phenolic phytochemical extracts to inhibit H. pylori in a laboratory medium. Our approach involved the development of a specific phenolic profile with optimization of different ratios of extract mixtures from oregano and cranberry. Subsequently, antimicrobial activity and antimicrobial-linked urease inhibition ability were evaluated. The results indicated that the antimicrobial activity was greater in extract mixtures than in individual extracts of each species. The results also indicate that the synergistic contribution of oregano and cranberry phenolics may be more important for inhibition than any species-specific phenolic concentration. Further, based on plate assay, the likely mode of action may be through urease inhibition and disruption of energy production by inhibition of proline dehydrogenase at the plasma membrane.

Acute renal failure induced by a Brazilian variety of propolis.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:15:57 -0700

Acute renal failure induced by a Brazilian variety of propolis.: Am J Kidney Dis. 2005 Dec;46(6):e125-9 Authors: Li YJ, Lin JL, Yang CW, Yu CC

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees and used in hive construction and maintenance. Cumulative evidence suggests that propolis may have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, antihepatotoxic, and antitumor properties. In addition to topical applications, products containing propolis have been used increasingly as dietary supplements. Although reports of allergic reactions are not uncommon, propolis is reputed to be relatively nontoxic. Its systemic toxicity is rarely reported and hence may be underestimated. This is the first report of propolis-induced acute renal failure. A 59-year-old man required hemodialysis for acute renal failure. The patient had cholangiocarcinoma and had ingested propolis for 2 weeks before presentation. Renal function improved after propolis withdrawal, deteriorated again after reexposure, and then returned to a normal level after the second propolis withdrawal. This case indicates that propolis can induce acute renal failure and emphasizes the need for vigilance and care when propolis is used as a medicine or dietary supplement.

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts from azuki beans (Vigna angularis) in vitro.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:33:34 -0700

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts from azuki beans (Vigna angularis) in vitro.: Phytother Res. 2006 Jan 27;20(2):162-164 Authors: Hori Y, Sato S, Hatai A

This study was undertaken to examine the antimicrobial property of azuki beans (Vigna angularis). The water extracts of green, black and red colored azuki beans showed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In contrast, the extract of white azuki beans showed no inhibition towards any of the microorganisms examined. The extracts of colored azuki beans contained larger amounts of polyphenols including proanthocyanidins than the extracts of white azuki beans. The counts of S. aureus cells, inoculated in the medium containing the extracts of colored azuki beans, were signicantly reduced in comparison with those of control and white azuki beans after 24 h (p < 0.05). These results suggest that polyphenols including proanthocyanidins in colored azuki beans may be responsible for their antibacterial activity. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae), a reputed anti-HIV/AIDS phytomedicine.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:29:30 -0700

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae), a reputed anti-HIV/AIDS phytomedicine.: Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):779-81 Authors: Katerere DR, Eloff JN

Dried ground leaves of Sutherlandia frutescens were extracted by both sequential extraction with four solvents, starting with the least polar and separately with acetone, ethanol and water. The extracts were tested for antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The hexane extract was, generally, the most active extract against S. aureus, E. faecalis and E. coli with MIC values of 0.31, 1.25 and 2.50 mg/mL, respectively. The second method extracted compounds with antioxidant activity as shown by the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay. The use of Sutherlandia frutescens for topical staphylococcal infections, when formulated in an oily base appears to have a rational basis.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae), a reputed anti-HIV/AIDS phytomedicine.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:29:16 -0700

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Sutherlandia frutescens (Fabaceae), a reputed anti-HIV/AIDS phytomedicine.: Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):779-81 Authors: Katerere DR, Eloff JN

Bioactive compounds from Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae).

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:29:05 -0700

Bioactive compounds from Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae).: Phytother Res. 2005 Sep;19(9):740-3 Authors: Ming DS, Hillhouse BJ, Guns ES, Eberding A, Xie S, Vimalanathan S, Towers GH

The methanol extract of the underground part of Rhodiola rosea was found to show inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a 95% ethanol extract from the stems of R. rosea led to the isolation of five compounds: gossypetin-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), rhodioflavonoside (2), gallic acid (3), trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (4) and p-tyrosol (5). Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, MS and NMR data, as well as by comparison with those of the literature. Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their antibacterial and antiprostate cancer cell activities. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 50 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies of 1 and 2 also displayed activity against the prostate cancer cell line with IC(50) values of 50 microg/mL and 80 microg/mL, respectively.

[Topical chemotherapy for the treatment of burns]

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:22:14 -0700

[Topical chemotherapy for the treatment of burns]: Rev Enferm. 2005 May;28(5):67-70 Authors: Salas Campos L, Fernándes Mansilla M, Martínez de la Chica AM

A burn is a tissue lesion which provokes different alterations that vary from topical erythema to total destruction of the structures affected. A burn always produces an alteration in the skin, a lesion in the corneal strata is sufficient to cause the skin to lose its capacity to act as a barrier. The objective the treatment for a burn has is to produce epithelization as soon as possible in order to prevent infection and to reduce functional and esthetic aftereffects. Infection is the main cause of death due to burns due to the growth of endogenous flora or due to external contamination. The use of topical chemotherapy is fundamental to prevent infections when there are deep and superficial burns or extensive intermediary burns. Centella asiatica extract has proven to be efficient in helping, maintaining and regularizing cicatrisation of skin affected by burns. Its usage combined with an antibiotic agent such as neomycin covers the bacterial spectrum for gram-positive or -negative microorganisms, guaranteeing an anti-infectious efficiency for this extract.

Inhibition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli by cranberry juice: a new antiadherence assay.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 04:05:29 -0700

Inhibition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli by cranberry juice: a new antiadherence assay.: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 16;53(23):8940-7 Authors: Turner A, Chen SN, Joike MK, Pendland SL, Pauli GF, Farnsworth NR

A combination of microplate technology and turbidity assessment for testing the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to human uroepithelial cell line T24, validated with the addition of the known inhibitor 4-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-galactopyranose (galabiose), resulted in a high-throughput, biologically relevant assessment of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). P-fimbriated ATCC E. coli strains 25922, 29194, and 49161 were inhibited by galabiose. ATCC 29194, a representative urine isolate containing the papGII allele (Class II fimbrial adhesin) and demonstrating the most significant inhibition in the presence of galabiose, was chosen for further testing. In this assay, a low-polarity fraction of cranberry juice cocktail demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of E. coli adherence. Reported here, for the first time in V. macrocarpon, are 1-O-methylgalactose, prunin, and phlorizin, identified in an active fraction of cranberry juice concentrate. This in vitro assay will be useful for the standardization of cranberry dietary supplements and is currently being used for bioassay-guided fractionation of cranberry juice concentrate.

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial action of tea: the commonest beverage of Asia.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:47:44 -0700

In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial action of tea: the commonest beverage of Asia.: Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Nov;28(11):2125-7 Authors: Bandyopadhyay D, Chatterjee TK, Dasgupta A, Lourduraja J, Dastidar SG

The methanolic extract of leaves of Camellia sinensis (L) O. KUNTZE was screened for antimicrobial property against 111 bacteria comprising 2 genera of Gram positive and 7 genera of Gram negative bacteria. Most of these strains were inhibited by the compound at 10-50 microg/ml level and few strains were sensitive even at lower concentrations (5 microg/ml). The bacteria could be arranged in the decreasing order of sensitivity towards the compound in the following manner: Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of compound could also be confirmed in vivo. When it was given to Swiss strain of white mice at different dosages (30, 60 microg/mouse), it could significantly protect the animals challenged with 50 MLD of Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 74. According to Chi square test the in vivo data were highly significant (p<0.001).

Antibacterial activity of traditional therapeutic coastal medicinal plants against some pathogens.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:27:42 -0700

Antibacterial activity of traditional therapeutic coastal medicinal plants against some pathogens.: J Environ Biol. 2005 Jun;26(2 Suppl):383-6 Authors: Ravikumar S, Nazar S, Nuralshiefa A, Abideen S

Antimicrobial activity of 10 traditional coastal medicinal plant species from South west coast of India were tested against 12 human bacterial pathogens and two cattle pathogens. Among the plant species tested, a butanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri showed maximum inhibitory activity against the human pathogen Escherichia coli, whereas the butanolic extract of Aristolochia indica. L showed maximum inhibitory activity against the cattle pathogen Listeria monocytogen. The mean zone of inhibition indicates that the growth of Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were highly inhibited by the coastal medicinal plant extract than the other bacterial species and also the antibacterial activity was found higher in the butanolic extract than water extract.

In Vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:12:10 -0700

In Vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. - Phytother Res. 2005 Nov 29;19(11):988-991 Authors: Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Stoia A, Hamill FA, Fabricant D, Dietz BM, Chadwick LR

The gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori (HP), identified in 1982, is now recognized as the primary etiological factor associated with the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. In addition, HP infections are also associated with chronic gastritis, gastric carcinoma and primary gastric B-cell lymphoma. For centuries, herbals have been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as dyspepsia, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). However, the mechanism of action by which these botanicals exert their therapeutic effects has not been completely elucidated. As part of an ongoing screening program, the study assessed the in vitro susceptibility of 15 HP strains to botanical extracts, which have a history of traditional use in the treatment of GI disorders. Methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans (seed) had a MIC of 12.5 microg/mL; Zingiber officinale (ginger rhizome/root) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf) had an MIC of 25 microg/mL. Methanol extracts of botanicals with a MIC of 50 microg/mL included Achillea millefolium, Foeniculum vulgare (seed), Passiflora incarnata (herb), Origanum majorana (herb) and a (1:1) combination of Curcuma longa (root) and ginger rhizome. Botanical extracts with a MIC of 100 microg/mL included Carum carvi (seed), Elettaria cardamomum (seed), Gentiana lutea (roots), Juniper communis (berry), Lavandula angustifolia (flowers), Melissa officinalis (leaves), Mentha piperita (leaves) and Pimpinella anisum (seed). Methanol extracts of Matricaria recutita (flowers) and Ginkgo biloba (leaves) had a MIC > 100 microg/mL. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.