In vitro antimicrobial action of Bixa orellana L.

Bixa orellana L. is a plant that grows in Cuba, which is held to have medicinal properties. Material and methods: An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial action of 50% fluid extract and 10% and 20% tinctures made of the leaves of the species Bixa orellana L. The method of macrodilution in broth was used and minimal concentration with antimicrobial activity, expressed in dilutions, was determined. Strains of international reference were used. Results: The tinctures at 10% and 20% of the leaf showed bactericidal action against Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 1:8 and 1:32 respectively, whereas only 10% tincture showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli at a concentration of 1:8, however, they were not active against Pseudomona aeruginosa and Candida albicans. As to 50 % fluid extract, it only showed bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 1:4. Conclusion: Both, fluid extract at 50 % and tinctures at 10% and 20% of the leaf were active against Staphylococcus aureus at lower concentrations compared to the rest of microorganisms, but they had no antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans or Pseudomona aeruginosa. 50% fluid extract showed antimicrobial activity only against Staphylococcus aureus. Tincture at 10% confirmed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Tincture at 20%was of use only against Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus turned out to be the most sensitive germ to the pharmaceutical forms studied at lower concentrations. Tincture at 10% showed a wider spectrum of antimicrobial activity.