Abstract

The ethanolic extracts obtained from the leaves of Verbascum sinuatum L. (Scrophulariaceae) were investigated for their antimicrobial activities against the pathogens causing complicated urine tract infection (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pnemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilisand Candida albicans) disk diffusion method and microdilution method. Some antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics were used as a positive reference standard to determine the sensitivity of the strains. The extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis and  Candida albicans with inhibition zones of 20.0, 18.0 and 20.0 mm, with MIC’s and MBC’s of 4.0 (8.0), 8.0 (16.0) and 8.0 (16.0) µg/mL, respectively. Also, the extracts exhibited moderate activity against the other test microorganisms. The results demonstrate that the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Verbascum sinuatum L. has significant activity and suggest that it may be useful in the treatment of infections.

Key words: Urinary tract infection (UTI), antimicrobial activity, Verbascum sinuatum