Comparative antimicrobial activity of non-fermented and fermented extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Cannabis sativa L. on pathogenic organisms associated with cancer and diabetic wounds

Patricia E. Ejembi, Samuel O. Odeh, Janet U. Itelima and Ponchang A. Wuyep

Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research
Published: January 6 2024
Volume 13, Issue 1
Pages 1-8

Abstract

Wound infections in cancer and diabetic patients are a significant public health concern due to their complex etiology, delayed healing, and association with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Cancer-related wounds often result from surgical procedures, radiation, or tumor growth, while diabetic wounds are linked to neuropathy and vascular complications. The microbial diversity in these wounds is shaped by the host environment, often dominated by bacterial pathogens and opportunistic fungi. The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternative therapies, such as plant-derived antimicrobials. Artemisia vulgaris and Cannabis sativa are rich in bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, but the impact of fermentation on their efficacy is underexplored. This study analyzed microbial profiles in wound infections from 30 cancer and diabetic patients and evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of non-fermented and fermented extracts of A. vulgaris and C. sativa. Swab specimens were cultured to identify bacteria and fungi using standard microbiological methods. Extracts prepared by cold maceration were tested using disc diffusion techniques, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLC). Zones of inhibition were measured, and statistical analysis determined significant differences (P ≤ 0.05). Diabetic wounds showed a higher microbial burden, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common isolate (40%), especially in diabetic wounds (46.67%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evenly distributed (20%), while Enterococcus species and Candida albicans were exclusive to diabetic wounds. Negative cultures (26.67%) were observed only in cancer wounds. Non-fermented extracts of A. vulgaris and C. sativa showed broader antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones of 31.83 ± 0.44 mm and 29.20 ± 0.36 mm against S. aureus and Enterococcus, respectively. However, fermentation enhanced efficacy against specific pathogens like E. coli and Candida albicans. These findings highlight the complexity of wound microbiota and the potential of plant extracts, with fermentation selectively enhancing activity against certain pathogens.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, fermentation, multidrug-resistant, plant-derived antimicrobials, wound infections.

Full Text PDF


 

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0