Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts on Escherichia coli and Candida albicans

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of watermelon extracts of Teucrium polium and Citrullus colocynthis on Escherichia coli and Candida albicans isolated from women's Urinary tract infections. T. polium and C. colocynthis were collected from the Sistan region of Iran. Extraction was performed with ethyl acetate, methanol, acetone, and ethanol solvents using a rotary apparatus. E. coli strains were isolated from urinary infections. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration were prepared by dilution method in the well. The lowest inhibitory concentration of C. colocynthis ethyl acetate extract was equal to 3.1 ppm, in which 2 strains were inhibited. In comparison, the highest inhibitory concentration was 100 ppm, in which one strain was inhibited in this concentration. The lowest inhibitory concentration of T. polium ethyl acetate extract of E. coli was 3.1 ppm, with 2 strains inhibited. In comparison, the highest inhibitory concentration was 50 ppm, with one strain at this concentration. This study showed that the lower inhibitory concentration of C. colocynthis ethyl acetate extract against C. albicans was 25 ppm. The lowest inhibitory concentration of T.polium methanol extract against C. albicans was 12.5 ppm, which was unilaterally inhibited in this concentration. According to the obtained results and the increasing resistance of bacteria to chemical antibiotics, it is suggested that with further studies on this plant, the antibacterial compounds of this plant can be used in the treatment of bacteria.