Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2015 Jul-Aug;81(4):422-30. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.07.015. Epub 2014 Dec 25.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of Luffa operculata.

Scalia RA1, Dolci JE2, Ueda SM3, Sassagawa SM3.

• 1Department of Otorhynolaryngology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Surgery Research, Medical Sciences School, Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: rodolfoscalia@yahoo.com.br.
• 2Medical Sciences School, Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
• 3Department of Pathological Sciences, Medical Sciences School, Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Luffa operculata is probably one of the most popular herbal medicines used in the treatment of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate in vitro antibacterial activity of L. operculata against three ordinary agents of upper respiratory tract infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.

METHODS:

Different concentrations of L. operculata alcoholic extract were applied to bacterial broth containing reference and community strains of the three described agents. After a 24-h incubation period, the bacterial culture turbidity was measured. The samples were then inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton and human blood agar plates. Bacterial growth was analyzed after 24- and 48-h incubation period. The test was considered negative when there was no environmental turbidity, confirmed by the absence of bacterial growth into the inoculated plates. Tests were considered positive when either turbidity changes were observed on the bacterial broth or when bacterial growth was detected on inoculated plates. Appropriate statistical analysis of the data was performed.

RESULTS:

L. operculata extracts showed antibacterial activity mainly to S. pyogenes followed by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.

CONCLUSIONS:

L. operculata extract showed promising antibacterial activity in vitro against the studied agents.

Copyright © 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Luffa operculata; Medicamentos fitoterápicos; Phytotherapeutic drugs; Products with antimicrobial action; Produtos com ação antimicrobiana; Sinusite; Sinusitis

PMID:  26163226