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Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Indigenous Wild Mushrooms Against Pathogenic Organisms

Summary

This research investigated how extracts from wild mushrooms could fight harmful bacteria and fungi that cause infections in humans. The study found that certain mushroom species contain compounds that can effectively kill or stop the growth of dangerous pathogens, including some that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to new antibiotics derived from natural sources to treat resistant infections • Demonstrates the untapped potential of wild mushrooms for medicine • Highlights the importance of preserving forest biodiversity for medical discoveries • Offers hope for treating infections that don’t respond to current antibiotics • Shows promise for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments

Background

The world faces significant healthcare challenges due to antimicrobial resistance, creating an urgent need for new effective drugs against resistant pathogens. Natural sources like fungi and plants are promising sources of new antimicrobial compounds. Mushrooms produce various bioactive compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and polysaccharides that have potential therapeutic properties.

Objective

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of extracts from indigenous wild mushrooms collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Reserve Forests in Kenya against selected pathogenic organisms.

Results

Of the 35 tested mushroom extracts, three mushrooms (Trametes spp. from Arabuko-Sokoke forest, Trametes and Microporus spp. from Kakamega forest) showed promising antimicrobial activities. S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and MRSA were most susceptible to chloroform extract of Trametes spp. Hot water extracts showed the strongest overall antimicrobial activity. All extracts showed highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus.

Conclusion

The extracts of the three wild mushrooms demonstrated promising antimicrobial activities against the tested pathogenic organisms, with potential for development as new antimicrobial agents.
  • Published in:Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1155/2019/6212673
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