Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global epidemic posturing huge loss to the economy of a nation. In this context, a novel therapeutic regime consisting of antibiotics and plant natural products can be selected as antibacterial resistance modifying agents. This study was undertaken to assess the antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa against tetracycline resistant Escherichia coli. Phytochemical screening was done to assess the phytochemical constituents in the methanolic plant extract. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. The results indicated that the methanolic extracts of Terminalia catappa significantly increased the zone of inhibition of tetracycline in a dose dependent manner against tetracycline resistant E. coli. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids and phenols. The results of the study revealed that combination of phytochemicals with antibiotics can combat the antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords : Antimicrobial resistance, E. coli, tetracycline, Terminalia catappa, Kirby Bauer disc diffusion assay