Antibacterial Activity of Lythrum salicaria against Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aims: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are extremely problematic pathogens. Treatment of hospital infections caused by these pathogens is very difficult. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of a traditional medicinal plant, Lythrum salicaria against these problematic bacteria.
Methodology: Liquid extract of L. salicaria was prepared in methyl alcohol. A total of 30 A. baumannii and 27 P. aeruginosa strains which had been isolated from hospitalized patients as a nosocomial pathogen was used. The antibacterial activity of test materials was assessed by agar well diffusion test method.
Results: Mean inhibition zone diameter against P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were found 16.09 mm (minimum 12 mm, maximum 20 mm) and 18.3 mm (minimum 10 mm, maximum 25 mm), respectively.
Conclusion: L. salicaria extract showed good antibacterial activity against these pathogens. Further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are needed for topical and oral usage of this traditional plant as a drug against multidrug-resistant pathogens.