In vitro antibacterial and phytochemical potential of Aegle marmelos against multiple drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli

Abstract

Alarming increase ofrnantibiotic resistant bacteria in recent years result in limited options forrntreatment of bacterial diseases. Escherichia coli is one of the mostrncommon Gram negative bacterial pathogen causing community and hospital acquiredrninfections. Since the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichiarncoli is at higher pace, there is an urgent need for new antibacterialrncompounds. Medicinal plants are alternative rich source of useful antibacterialrnagents. The present study assessed the photochemical and in vitrornantibacterial activity of ethanol, chloroform, hexane and water extracts of leavesrnand fruits of Aegle marmelos against MDR Escherichia coli. Zonernof inhibition diameters were measured. The antibacterial activity was absent inrnhexane and water extracts. Chloroform extracts showed moderately good activity.rnHowever, highest antibacterial activity was found in ethanol extracts. Thernantibacterial compounds found in leaf and fruit extracts were tannins,rnflavonoids, saponins and alkaloids.