Evaluation of Anti-bacterial Activity of Silybum marianum against Pathogenic and Resistant Bacteria

Aims: Our arsenal of antibiotics is running low due to overuse and misuse of these lifesaving drugs. Much research is needed on medicinal plants to look for drugs to tackle this issue

Methodology: so antibacterial activity of organic extracts of Silybum marianum was evaluated against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resistant E. coli, ATCC 12361, ATCC 12466 and ATCC 13581. Inhibition of bacterial growth was determined using agar well diffusion methods.

Results: Among all assayed organic extracts only Dimethylformamide presented highest activities against all tested strains except resistant E. coli. Dimethylformamide and Methanol showed better activity than cephradine against ACTT 13581. The Dichloromethane extract showed no antibacterial activity against any strains. Methanol and Isopropyl Alcohol showed moderate activities against all tested strains. S. marianum would be an interesting topic for further study and possibly for an alternative treatment for resistant and pathogenic bacterial infections.