In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Vigna radiata (L) Wilzeck Extracts Against Gram Negative Enteric Bacteria

The rapid spread of multidrug-resistance against conventional antibiotics is a global threat that necessitates the search for alternative therapies from natural sources. In this study, the antibacterial potentials of chloroform and methanol extracts of mung bean sprout (MBS) or Vigna radiata (L) Wilzeck extracts were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella spp. using agar disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessment. Both extracts showed antimicrobial activities against all the tested gram negative bacteria with the exception of K. pneumoniae which remained resistant. Chloroform extracts in general exhibited greater antibacterial activity compared to methanol extracts. However, methanol extracts of MBS exhibited significant activity against P. aeruginosa compared to chloroform extracts and results were comparable to the standard antimicrobial antibiotic with an average MIC value of 75 mg/mL. Our finding identifies the potential use of MBS as a natural source of antibacterial agent. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanism of action of the extracts and to identify the active components responsible for the antibacterial activity.