Enhancement of Penicillin Activity Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with Aqueous Extract of Mangifera indica Peel.

Abstract

Background: Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is noted for its rich content of natural phytochemicals with significant antibacterial properties. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to numerous antibiotics, including penicillin. This study aims to explore the potential of M. indica peel extract in overcoming penicillin resistance in MRSA, highlighting its valuable contribution to antibacterial therapy. Objective: To evaluate the enhancement of in vitro antibacterial activity of penicillin combined with aqueous peel extract of M. indica Methods: The peel extract of M. indica was obtained using the maceration technique, followed by phytochemical identification tests. Antibacterial activity was assessed for the peel extract at a 500 mg/mL concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of penicillin was then evaluated in combination with different concentrations of peel extract (125, 250, 500 mg/mL) and penicillin (MIC/8, MIC/4, MIC/2) against S. aureus and MRSA. Distilled water and vancomycin (3 mg/mL) served as negative and positive controls. Results: Phytochemical analysis of M. indica aqueous peel extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and tannins. The M. indica peel extract (500 mg/mL) alone did not exhibit antibacterial activity against S. aureus and MRSA. The MIC of penicillin was established at 0.003 mg/mL. When combined with penicillin (MIC/2), the M. indica peel extract (500 mg/mL) significantly enhanced antibacterial activity, yielding inhibition zones of 32.51±0.27 mm against S. aureus and 10.30±0.02 mm against MRSA. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and by Tukey HSD Post-Hoc test showed that the results were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of aqueous crude extract of M. indica peel with penicillin can enhance the antibacterial activity of penicillin against S. aureus and MRSA. This suggests a potential strategy for improving the efficacy of penicillin using natural plant extracts.