In-vitro antibacterial activity of Kodai hill garlic (Allium sativum) aqueous extract against wound infection pathogens including MRSA

Abstract

The present study attempts to validate the native Indian variety Kodaikanal hill garlic Allium sativum’ antibacterial efficacy and antioxidant potential against pathogens isolated from wound infections. The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial potential of Allium sativum aqueous extract against four Gram-negative bacterial strains and one multi drug resistance strain from the wounds. The findings demonstrate that aqueous extract of Allium sativum has significant inhibitory effect on MRSA with 42 mm zone formation. Similarly, it was found effective against E. coli and Proteus vulgari, which gave an inhibition zone of 26 mm and 30 mm respectively at higher dilutions. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa displayed resistance to low dilutions of aqueous extract but inhibition was observed in higher concentration. This study does not undermine the value of antibiotic use but then indicates evidence supporting the traditional use of garlic for wound healing.