In-vitro potential of crude extracts of selected garden herbs for mastitis management in Zambia

Introduction: The advent of bovine mastitis associated antimicrobial resistance has necessitated development alternative herbal remedies. In this study, we tested, in-vitro, the efficacy three crude extracts: (1) aqueous, (2) ethanol and (3) ethyl acetate extracts Zambian cultivated Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) Curcuma longa (Turmeric) also made comparisons to synthetic anti-mastitis formulations. Methods: active compounds these herbs were obtained as using water, solvents. test microbes comprised ten standard controls including Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa 84 field isolates (all gram positive bacteria) from clinical subclinical milk samples selected districts Southern Province Zambia belonging genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus Lactobacillus. agar dilution method was used determine activity by observing sensitivity which graded sensitive, intermediate or resistant. Commercial preparations served their compared that preparations. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) formulation determined two-fold serial dilutions. Results: results indicated 18.8% resistance, 25.3% 56% for extracts, while preparation averaged 16.8% 4.75% 78.5% sensitivity. negative tested generally On average, trials revealed; 41.8% 13% 45.3% antimicrobials produced 23.5% 5.2% 71.3% Mean MIC 11.5mg/ml at 5% extract Cephalexin (semi-synthetic antimicrobial) S. aureus 0.5mg/L 0.0005mg/ml. Conclusion: vera showed on causing may be a cheaper an aid fight benefit most affected resource limited small-scale dairy farmers.