Antimicrobial Properties of Diospyros virginiana Against Human Dwelling Bacteria

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Amelia Brown (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Courtney Sandefur

Abstract: Approximately three-fourths of medically important antibiotics are being wasted on healthy livestock in an effort to make up for unsanitary and overcrowded growing conditions. This misuse of antibiotics has led to the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Before the creation of these modern medicines, Indigenous People relied heavily on medicinal plants. Many medicinal plants possess antimicrobial properties that allow them to inhibit the growth of bacteria, however most have not been charact. The plant used in this project was Diospyros virginiana. Previous studies have documented the antimicrobial properties of this plant against a variety of bacterial strains. Here, it was specifically used against six human dwelling bacteria: S. epidermidis, K. pneumonia, N. sicca, M. luteus, B. subtilis, C. xerosis, and E. faecalis. Teas created from the leaves of this plant as well as the plant material tested against these bacteria in dis assays. The strain most inhibited during this process was S. epidermidis. With the exception of S. epidermidis, there seems to be a pattern of inhibition based on Phylum and gram stain.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2018
Keywords
Bacterial Strains, Medicinal Plants, Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, Bacteria, Diospyros virginiana, Indigenous People,

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