Planta Med 2009; 75 - PJ58
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234863

Antibacterial effects of leaves of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L

D Vučić 1, L Čomić 3, M Petković 2, O Stefanović 3
  • 1 Department of Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, University of Banja Luka, 78 000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • 2 Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, University of Banja Luka, 78 000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • 3 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, 34 000 Kragujevac, Serbia

This study was realized to investigate the antibacterial activity of extracts from leaves of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (Ericaceae) against eleven strains of Escherichia coli. Leaves of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. collected on Klekovača Mountain (RS, Bosnia and Herzegovina, W. Balkans) were extracted by different solvents (water, ethanol and ethyl acetate). Cultures of bacteria were clinical isolates and standard strain of E. coli ATCC 25922. Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) of extracts and antibiotic amoxicillin were determined by tube dilution method. The results revealed that water extract exhibited the highest activity against all strains of E. coli (MICs were 5mg/ml). MICs of ethyl acetate extract were 20mg/ml for all bacteria strains tested. Ethanol extract exhibited antibacterial activity with MIC values between 20 and 40mg/ml. In conclusion, water extract from leaves of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. showed high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with MBCs 5mg/ml for nine strains and 10mg/ml for two strains.