Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: The infections caused by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus resistant strains often originate from hospitals, and their prevalence is increasing worldwide. Therefore, many efforts are being made to find new active plant compounds as alternatives to antibiotics. In this research, the antibacterial effect of methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex cyprius seeds against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Methods: In this experimental study, methanol and ethanol extracts of Rumex cyprius seed, were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. Antibacterial activity of the extracts were evaluated by well diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), were determined using microdilution method. Active compounds of the seed, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. The level of significance was considered p<0.05.

Results: In this study, ethanol and methanol extracts of Rumex cyprius seed prevented the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. Inhibition zone diameter of the ethanol extract in concentration of 500mg/ml against E. coli and S. aureus, was 16.5 and 19mm, respectively. Inhibition zone diameter of the methanol extract in concentration of 500mg/ml against E. coli and S. aureus was 14 and 16.5mm. MIC and MBC values of ethanol and methanol extracts against E. coli and S. aureus, were obtained 62.5 and 125mg/ml, respectively. In this study, The highest compound obtained from the seeds was 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic Acid (24.25%).

Conclusion: Ethanol and methanol extracts of Rumex cyprius seeds had inhibitory effect against S. aureus and E. coli. The effect of these extracts on S. aureus is more than E. coli.