In Vitro Anti-tuberculosis Activity of Total Crude Extract of Echinops Amplexicaulis against Multi-drug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: TB (Tuberculosis) is the second leading killer infectious disease after HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Its incidence is worsened by development of multi-drug resistant and extensive drug resistant TB strains. Available treatment regimens are expensive, toxic and lengthy resulting to problems of non-adherence and inadequate response. Medicinal plants on the other hand may offer hope for developing alternative medicine for treatment of TB. This study evaluated the anti-tuberculosis activity of Echinops amplexicaulis. Materials and methods: Total crude extracts of E. amplexicaulis were tested for activity against a wild strain resistant to Rifampicin and Isoniazid (MDR), a fully susceptible laboratory strain (H37Rv) and Mycobacterium bovis (BCG strain) using disk diffusion method. MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) was determined using Middlebrook 7H9 broth. The strains were sub-cultured on Middlebrook 7H10 medium and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) determined. Susceptibility was evaluated by measuring zones of inhibition; MIC was obtained as the lowest concentration with no significant growth as shown by clog formation of MTB (Mycobacteria tuberculosis) cells on the walls of the macro broth tube and MBC was obtained as the lowest concentration that inhibited growth of MTB colonies on Middlebrook 7H10 medium. Results: The extract showed a significant effect at a concentration of 50 mg/mL against all the three test strains F (2, 18) = 437.7, p = 0.00. It exhibited a MIC of 0.0488 mg/mL against MDR-TB and M. bovis. Its MBC was the same at 0.0977 mg/mL against both MDR TB and M. bovis. The MIC was much lower (0.0122 mg/mL) for the H37Rv strain. Terpenoids, alkaloids and tannins were present in large amount in the extract while saponins were present in small amounts. Flavonoids were not detected in the extract. Conclusion: E. amplexicaulis has the potential to be developed into new anti-TB drug and outcome of the study supports the folkloric claims of anti-tuberculosis activity of the plant.

Phytochemical Screening and in-vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Echinops amplexicaulis, Ruta chalepensis and Salix subserrata Against Selected Pathogenic Bacterial Strains in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

“…This is in line with a previous study by Najem et al, 45 who reported saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids found in methanol extracts of E. amplexicaulis, but phytosterols and phenols were absent. Kevin et al 9 found small amounts of tannins and saponins in E. amplexicaulis crude extract but no flavonoids, in contrast to the current study. The difference might be due to soil content, geographical area, seasons of plant collection, plant parts, and growth stage of the plants.…”

“…7,8 Echinops amplexicaulis ("Kosorruu Harree" in Afan Oromo) belongs to the family Asteraceae and its species are found in Eastern and Southern Europe, Tropical North and East Africa, and Asia. 9 Traditional medicine practitioners in Uganda used the entire root of this plant to treat HIV/AIDS and related conditions. 10 This plant is also used to treat ulcerative lymphangitis and hepatitis.…”

“…10 This plant is also used to treat ulcerative lymphangitis and hepatitis. 9 The frequently described application is to treat symptoms like inflammation, pain, and fever, and ailments related to the respiratory tract, including cough and sore throat. 11 Members of the genus have been used as an aphrodisiac, 12 facilitation of expulsion of retained placenta and delivery, 13,14 as an abortifacient, 15 treatment of uterus tumor, 16 and leucorrhoea.…”

The Genus Echinops: Phytochemistry and Biological Activities: A Review

“…Out of the tested strains, M. tuberculosis (H37Rv) showed higher sensitivity to the ether root extract of E. giganteus and methanolic extract of E. amplexicaulis Oliv. with MIC of 12 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL, respectively (Tekwu et al, 2012; Kevin et al, 2018). The methanolic root extract of E. amplexicaulis also showed a promising effect against a multidrug-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis with a MIC of 50 µg/mL (Kevin et al, 2018).…”

“…with MIC of 12 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL, respectively (Tekwu et al, 2012; Kevin et al, 2018). The methanolic root extract of E. amplexicaulis also showed a promising effect against a multidrug-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis with a MIC of 50 µg/mL (Kevin et al, 2018). The ethanolic root extract and essential oils obtained from E. kebericho Mesfin showed relatively strong effect against Staphylococcus aureus (Ameya et al, 2016) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Belay et al, 2011).…”