An Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Acmella caulirhiza

Abstract

Background: Acmella caulirhiza is a plant that is used traditionally to treat several disorders such as mouth ulcers, sore throat, toothache and earache, among others. It is a small annual or perennial herb whose location is widespread worldwide.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine whether the leaves, stem and the flowers extract of the plant possess antibacterial and antifungal activity and to find out which part of the plant is the most active, if any.

Methodology: Acmella caulirhiza was collected from the wild in Kericho County. The flower heads, the leaves and the stems were dried separately, ground into a powder and extracted with chloroform. The plant extracts were tested for activity against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Bacillus pumilus.

Results and Discussion: The plant extracts inhibited the growth of Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus pumilus. The activity was highest in the stems extracts. The extracts, however, did not have any anti-fungal activity when tested against Candida albicans. It was concluded from these results that the anti-bacterial activity may aid in the efficacy when the plant is used to treat mouth ulcers or sore throat.

Key words: Acmella caulirhiza, anti-fungal activity, anti-bacterial activity, traditional medicine