<em>Xeranthemum cylindraceum</em>: A potential broad spectrum antimicrobial

Abstract

Novel plant ingredients continue to be key antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents in the fight against novel pathogens. Here, we have shown the antibacterial properties of Xeranthemum cylindraceum against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and also C. albicans. Homogenates of X. cylindraceum were extracted with 95% ethanol and the extracts tested against various bacterial species. Blanks discs were soaked in extraction solvents as controls. X. cylindraceum demonstrated antimicrobial activity indicated by zones of inhibition against the following gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria: E. coli, P. vulgaris, E. cloacae, and K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. agalactiae, and S. pyogenes. X. cylindraceum did not demonstrate antifungal activity. By these data we conclude X. cylindraceum displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against clinically relevant bacteria and has the potential for future development as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.