Antimicrobial Potential of Beechwood (Gmelina arborea W.

Roxburgh) Leaves
extract against Staphylococcus aureus

A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of the
Regional Science High School for Region I
Bangar, La Union

In partial fulfillment of the

By

BARBARAL, KENN LAWRENCE V.

JEROME MARQUEZ
Research Adviser/ Co-author

October 2022
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, Staphylococcus is a common problem. This bacteria frequently

causes infections, both in settings where they are contracted in the community and in

hospitals. Due to the rise of multi-drug resistant forms like MRSA< therapy is still

difficult (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). S. On healthy skin, aureus often

does not cause illness; but, if it is let to reach internal tissues or the bloodstream, these

germs may cause a number of potentially dangerous infections. This activity explains the

examination and treatment of Staphylococcus infections and reviews the of the

interprofessional team in managing patients with these condition (Taylor, 2022)

One of the most prevalent food-borne diseases in the world is Staphylococcal

food-borne disease (SFD), whici is brought on by preformed S. contaminating food.

Enterotoxins from aureus. In the united states, it is one of the most often reported cases of

food-borne illnesses. SEA, a highly heat-stable Staphylococcus enterotoxin (SE), is the

most typical SE to cause SFD globally. Despite the fact that various other SE’s have

been found. According to outbreak are caused by faulty food handling procedures in the

retail sector. But numerous investigations have shown that S is widespread. There is a

potential risf of S. aureus in many food products, including raw retail meat. Colonization

colonization and infection with aureus. The presence of viruses in food products provides

a risk to consumers, results in significant financial loss, and reduces productivity due to

food-borne illness. SFD symptoms include vomiting, cramping in the abdomen, and

diarrhea or no diarrhea (Kadariya et.al., 2014)

Staphylococcus aureus. In addition to pneumonia, heart valve infections, and bone

infections, these gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria can also cause skin

infections. Direct contact with an infected person, using a contaminated object, or

breathing in contaminated droplets released by coughing or sneezing are all ways to

spread these bacteria. Skin infections are frequent, but the germs can infect distant organs

via circulating in the blood. Blisters, abscesses, redness, and swelling in the affected area

can all result from skin infections (Bush, 2021).

Phytochemical screening of the Gmelina arborea reveals the presence of

carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. The

presence of these bioactive compounds in plants is linked to biological activity.

Determination of antimicrobial activity using the agar diffusion method showed that the

crude extracts of the leave and stembark of the plant inhibited the growth of such

recalcitrant pathogenic Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonieae, Proteus mirabilis,

Shigella dysenteriea and Salmonella typhi that frequently show above average resistance,

the extent of which depended on the solvent and organism. Activity of the extracts was

consistently less than the conventional antibiotic, tetracycline. The effectiveness of the

extracts was more in the acidic than in alkaline conditions and also increased with

increase in temperature. Results provided the scientific bases for the folkloric application

of G. arborea as a medicinal plant and ways the plant can be used as source for newer

antibiotic substances for the possible control of dysentery, diarrhea, typhoid fever and

wound infections associated with these bacteria (A.M. El-Mahmood, J.H. Doughari and

H.S. Kiman, 2010)

alkaloids, phenolic, terpeniods and flavonoids in aqueous leave extracts of Moringa

oleifera, Acalypha wilkesiana, Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina which are

suitable potential substances for new anti-staphylococci agent(Akinduti, P.A., Emoh-

Robinson, V., Obamoh-Triumphant, H.F. et al., 2022)

The antibacterial activities of plant extracts against S.aureus, a multi-antibiotic

resistant bacteria, have been documented. This strongly supports the usefulness of

phytochemicals as a source of potent lead compounds for anti-staphylococci drug

candidates. These plants' aqueous extracts have demonstrated potent anti-staphylococci

activity that could be used to create an antibacterial treatment for SSTIs(Akinduti, P.A.,

Emoh-Robinson, V., Obamoh-Triumphant, H.F. et al., 2022).

A new anti-staphylococci agent requires the development of major phytochemical

components such alkaloids, phenolic, terpeniods, and flavonoids found in aqueous leaf

extracts of Moringa oleifera, Acalypha wilkesiana, Azadirachta indica, and Vernonia

amygdalina (Akinduti, P.A., Emoh-Robinson, V., Obamoh-Triumphant, H.F. et al.,

2022).

One of the significant medicinal plant species that is most frequently propagated

and cultivated in the Verbenaceae family is Gmelina arborea Roxb. It is frequently

referred to as "Kashmarya" and is one of the plants mentioned in all of the classical

Ayurvedic texts. It is a lovely, quickly expanding avenue tree that may be found all over

India. Due to its extensive medical characteristics, this medicinal plant has been highly

prized since the beginning of time. Gambhari is a crucial part of Dashamuala. Its edible

fruits have been linked to Rasayana (rejuvenative), Medhya (Memory enhancer), and
Vrishya (Aphrodisiac) properties. It has a long history of usage as an antiepileptic,

antimicrobial, antidiabetic, diuretic, antihelmintic, and antibacterial agent. The current

paper offers a review of the pharmacological research done so far on Gambhari (Pathala

et. al., 2015)

In its natural range, where it can be found in environments ranging from moist

deciduous woodland to rain forest, gmelina is relatively widespread. In Myanmar's more

humid forests, particularly in those of damp fertile valleys, it achieves its largest size.

Although it is usually stunted, it can be cultivated up to 1400 m above sea level (for

example, in Ethiopia). It grows well in environments with a mean annual temperature of

21–28°C, a mean maximum temperature of 24–35°C in the hottest month, and a mean

minimum temperature of 18–24°C in the coldest month. The annual rainfall ranges

naturally from 750 to 4500 mm, but the ideal range is between 1800 and 2300 mm in

regions with a dry season of 3 to 5 months and a relative humidity of at least 40%.

Gmelina grows on a variety of soil types, although it likes deep, moist soils that are rich

in nutrients. Acid leached soils do not support much growth. When planted in

unfavorable settings, trees may stay stunted or turn into mere shrubs. They can only grow

in plantations with fertile soil that drains well since they cannot tolerate wet ground.

Gmelina is a rainforest opportunist species that has been dubbed a long-lived pioneer. It

requires a lot of light. Many African nations have allowed it to become naturalized, and it

might be a little invasive there(K.A. Adam, 2016).

(Gmelina arborea) leaves extract against Staphylococcus aureus. Likewise, it would seek

to answer the following sub-problems:

1. What bioactive component do Beechwood have that can kill Staphylococcus

aureus?

2. What is the mortality rate of the following treatments;

a. Treatment 0 - Commercialized

b. Treatment 1 - 50% Beechwood leaves extract and 50% distilled water

c. Treatment 2 - 100% Beechwood leaves extract

3. Which among the treatments yield the best result in inhibiting weed growth?

Significance of the Study

This study will be helpful because it could provide opportunities for the growth of

medical research, particularly in the fight against bacteria. Additionally, this may also

help the community at large by educating individuals about the possibilities that the study

of various plants could help develop novel disease remedies. Finally, having a potential

plant that could assist in the creation of more thorough therapies for diseases and

agents/products to combat S. aureus, it will benefit the medical community and as would

those who could contract diseases from these bacteria.

Scope of the Study

This study will only focus on the antimicrobial activity of the Beechwood

(Gmelina arborea) using the ethanolic extract of leaves. The chorioallantoic membrane
(CAM) assay will be used in order to determine the antiangiogenic activity of the

treatments. This will be conducted at DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office

La Union. Cultured S. aureus reaction and inhibition will be observed with Beechwood

leaves extract with plating method. The study will be conducted all throughout the first

semester of the school year 2022-2023.