In vitro shoot culture and antimicrobial activity of Berberis buxifolia Lam

Abstract

Berberis buxifolia Lam., known as "Calafate", is a plant native to Argentina that exhibits antimicrobial activity. This biological activity is attributed to the isoquinoline alkaloid berberine. The aim of this research was to test the antimicrobial properties of different extracts of this species, taking berberine as the reference molecule, and to examine if the expression of bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps could be responsible for possible resistance mechanisms. To this end, a wild-type and a mutant strain of Staphylococcus aureus with a defective MDR efflux pump were used and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts were determined. The studies were carried out with infusions of in vivo shoots and "Calafate" commercial tea, as well as with the media derived from shoot cultures incubated with different plant growth regulators (thidiazuron, picloram, and jasmonic acid). As far as antimicrobial activity is concerned, all the extracts tested were significantly more effective than berberine standard. "Calafate" commercial tea and shoot tea had inhibitory concentrations similar to the one observed for ampicillin standard. The media from the shoot cultures, however, were significantly more effective than all the others, particularly the one derived from jasmonic acid, suggesting the presence of compounds that could be acting synergistically with berberine. There were no differences in antimicrobial activity against the wild-type and the mutant S. aureus; no definite conclusions could be drawn concerning the relationship between MDR pumps and possible pathogen resistance to extracts of B. buxifolia.

Phytochemicals and Traditional Use of Two Southernmost Chilean Berry Fruits: Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) and Calafate (Berberis buxifolia Lam.)

“…The antimicrobial activity of calafate roots and shoots (stem and leaves) against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis) has been associated with the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids [78,81]. Calafate root had the highest alkaloid yield and berberine was the main alkaloid identified [79].…”

Phenolic Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Berberis thunbergii DC. Leaves: A Valuable Source of Phenolic Acids

“…buxifolia and decoctions of B . vulgaris have been traditionally used; in fact, infusions obtained from berberine-producing plants are used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties [1,8]. In addition to its curative applications, various species of this genus are commonly used in some cuisines [9].…”

Two-stage culture for producing berberine by cell suspension and shoot cultures of Berberis buxifolia Lam

“…Further studies must be conducted in order to analyze the possibility of optimizing and scaling up both kinds of in vitro cultures. On the other hand, we have already demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of B. buxifolia in vitro cultures (Pitta-Alvarez et al 2008). Since the agronomic culture of B. buxifolia has not been achieved our work appeared as a promising alternative for berberine production.…”

“…However, there are references that mention its use as antispasmodic (Caraballo and Caraballo 2004) and anti-inflammatory. These activities, particularly the antibacterial one, have been attributed in part to the alkaloid, berberine, although the evidence suggests that other chemical substances present in the extracts could be acting synergically (Pitta-Alvarez et al 2008).…”