Abstract

Crude extracts (Aqueous, ethanolic) and hydrodistillated-essential oil from aerial parts ofMatricaria pubescens (Desf.) were investigated for their antibacterial activities againstseven strains of bacteria. We wanted to proof an antibacterial activity of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) with two most commonly used methods: disc diffusion method and broth dilution method. With the disc diffusion method we have obtained the inhibition zone. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) corresponding at the lowest concentrations, where no visible bacterial growth was recorded, were assumed as values (MIC). Overall, extracts from M. pubescens (Desf.) showed stronger antibacterial activities than their essential oil obtained from hydrodistillation. The diameters of growth inhibition zone ranged from 12 to 33 mm (including the diameter of the disc-6 mm) with the highest inhibition zone values observed against Escherichia coli (31 mm) and Klebsiella pneumonia (33 mm). We determined MIC values in the ranges from 0.5 to 2.33 mg/ml for extracts and essential oil in the medium. Aqueous extracts exhibited MIC values of 9 mg/ml against Bacillus cereus. The MIC values of the ethanolic extract against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were 0.5 and 0.833 mg/ml, respectively. In the other hand, the best inhibitory activity of M. pubescens (Desf) essential oil (EO) was observed on E. coli and K. pneumonia 1.66 mg/ml.

Key words: Matricaria pubescens (Desf.), essential oil, crude extracts, antibacterial activity.