The effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Berberies vulgaris on multidrug- resistant gram-negative pathogenic bacteria

Background and Aim: In recent years, due to the indiscriminate and irrational use of synthetic drugs, the resistance of pathogenic microorganisms has increased; therefore, new compounds are vitally needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Berberis vulgaris on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter frundi, Enterobacter aerugenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in standard conditions. Material and methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. vulgaris were prepared by maceration method. After the bacteria were identified, antibiotic resistance was determined by agar disk diffusion method. Antibacterial effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. vulgaris on multidrug resistant bacteria was examined at four concentrations of 50, 100, 400 and 800 mg/ml, and (MIC) and (MBC) of these extracts on macro dilution method was also used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Software and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of B. vulgaris had an antibacterial effect on a multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MDR). The MIC and MBC of the extracts were reported 50 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. Industrial and practical recommendations: After further investigations, extract B. vulgaris was recommended to be utilized as an alternative to antibiotics for treatment.