Nasturtium antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus agalactiae

Abstract

This work uncovered the antibacterial properties of Nasturtium against gram-positive Streptococcus agalactiae. Certain strains of Streptococcus have demonstrated antibiotic resistance. Streptococcus agalactiae commonly infects the elderly, neonates, and pregnant women, which makes this a pathogen of concern. Samples of Nasturtium leaves and flowers were extracted using 95% ethanol as extraction solvent and filtered. The filtrate was impregnated into sterile discs. Discs infused with extracts or extraction solvent as control, were placed on S. agalactiae plated plates. Clear zones around disc indicating bacterial susceptibility were measured. Nasturtium demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae with a mean zone of inhibition of 20 mm. This suggest nasturtium can potentially be developed as an antibacterial agent against S. agalactiae.