Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. extracts against bacterial and fungal strains of clinical and environmental importance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67321/na3r0r1aKeywords:
antimicrobial resistance, Uncaria tomentosa, plant extracts, antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, solventsAbstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat driving the search for plant-based therapeutic alternatives. Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. (cat's claw), an Amazonian liana of the Rubiaceae family, has a rich phytochemical composition with documented antimicrobial activity. We evaluated the antimicrobial effect of dry-bark extracts obtained with four solvents (EtOH 100%, MeOH 100%, EtOH 80:20, MeOH 80:20) at three concentrations (1%, 5%, 10% w/v) against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231, using phytochemical screening, disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer), and broth microdilution (MIC). Data were analyzed by multifactorial ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test. Screening confirmed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and terpenoids in all extracts, with greater intensity in 80:20 mixtures. Inhibition zones were dose-dependent; MeOH 80:20 at 10% yielded the largest zones against S. aureus (19 mm) and C. albicans (18 mm). The lowest MIC (10 µg/mL) was obtained against S. aureus with MeOH 100%, MeOH 80:20, and EtOH 80:20. ANOVA revealed significant effects of solvent, concentration, microorganism, and interactions (p < 0.001–0.022). U. tomentosa is a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents, particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria.Downloads
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