Antimicrobial potential of Nymphaea lotus (Nymphaeaceae) against wound pathogens

Abstract

Ethanolic extracts of Nymphaea lotus leaves were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes), and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumoniaeand Pseudomonas aeruginosa) isolated from wounds by the disc diffusion method (DDM). The result of the phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of bio-active compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, cardiac glycosides and phenolics. The results also showed that S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. coli isolated were highly susceptible toN. lotus with the zone of inhibition ranging from 8 to 25 mm while K. pneumoniaeand P. aureginosa were moderately susceptible to this antimicrobial substance with the zone of inhibition ranging from 8 to 15 mm. The antibacterial activity of the extracts against these bacteria suggests that there is a scientific basis for its utilization for the treatment of bacterial wound infections.   Key words: Nymphaea lotus, susceptibility, wound, phytochemical.