In vitro screening by phototoxic properties of Eugenia uniflora L., Momordica Charantia L., Mentha arvensis L. and Turnera ulmifolia L.

Abstract

Ethanol extracts of Mentha arvensis L., Momordica charantia L., Turnera ulmifolia L. and Eugenia uniflora L. were screened for light – activated antibacterial activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Triplicate assays were conducted with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or light-enhanced activity. Only the ethanol extract of E. uniflora and M. charantia showed antibacterial activity against an E. coli strain when exposed to UV-A light. The results represent a first report of the light-mediated antimicrobial activity of E. uniflora and M. charantia and suggest that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.