Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Olea europaea and Ficus carica Leaves Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

This study was based on the evaluation of antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Olea europaea (Olive tree) and Ficus carica (Fig tree), separately and synergistically, against a standard Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SMRSA) strain using well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results revealed that the Olea europaea leaves extract was more potent than the Ficus carica leaves extract against MRSA, as the zone of inhibition was 12.6 mm and 6 mm respectively. By mixing both extracts, the results showed a slight synergistic effect, as the zones of inhibition were 10.6 mm,12 mm,11.3 mm and 12 mm for 1:1, 1:3, 1:6 and 1:9 ratios of the Olea europaea leaves and the Ficus carica leaves extracts respectively. The MIC for SMRSA growth was 200mg/ml for the Olea europaea leaves alone and mixed with Ficus carica. However, Ficus carica alone did not inhibit the growth of SMRSA. These results showing a potent anti-MRSA activity of the Olea europaea leaves and, therefore, their potential as a source of drug in the treatment of MRSA infections.