Antibiotic activity of turmeric, castor oil, honey and apple cider vinegar extracts on MRSA on isolates from medical microbiology laboratory, Makerere University.

Abstract

Background Herbal medicine is used by approximately 80% of the world’s population according to WHO. In Uganda, herbal remedies play a significant role in the health care system being the oldest yet continuously utilized medical treatment across different cultures. Furthermore, plant extracts used as food colorants, additives, and preservatives such as turmeric, honey, castor oil, and apple cider vinegar have also been reported to treat infections like skin diseases and coughs. This study aimed to assess the in vitro antibiotic activity of turmeric, castor oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar on MRSA. Objectives To determine the Antibiotic activity of turmeric, castor oil, honey, and Apple cider vinegar extracts on MRSA on isolates from the medical microbiology laboratory, Makerere University Methodology This was an analytical study where 20 isolates were retrieved, and cultured. Gram staining and various biochemical test like catalase test, coagulase test, DNase test, mannitol salt agar test and cefoxitin susceptibility testing were carried out to ascertain MRSA. 17 of the 20 isolates were viable MRSA stains and were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing with turmeric, apple cider vinegar, honey, and castor oil. Results Results were recorded following CLSI guidelines. Apple cider vinegar had the highest antibacterial effect, n=17 (ZOI = 31±2.52 mm) followed by honey n=17 (ZOI =18±4.29 mm) then castor oil n=7 (ZOI=15±6.26 mm) where n is the number of isolates that showed susceptibility and ZOI being the zone of inhibition. Turmeric did not show any antibiotic effect. Conclusion Therefore, the findings of this study can be used as a baseline for future research and development of novel antibiotics for the treatment of MRSA infections. This will reduce on high costs of healthcare and prolonged hospital stay in the long run resulting from drug resistance.