Antimicrobial Activity of Catharanthus Roseus Root Extract against Neisseria gonorrhoeae: In Vitro Study of Maceration and Percolation Extraction Methods

Abstract

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause severe complications including gonococcal conjunctivitis. The increasing antibiotic resistance of N. gonorrhoeae has necessitated the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. Catharanthus roseus (Tapak Dara) is a medicinal plant known for its various pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of C. roseus root extract against N. gonorrhoeae using maceration and percolation extraction methods. This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of C. roseus root extract against N. gonorrhoeae using two extraction methods: maceration and percolation. The microdilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Turbidity was assessed based on optical density (OD) measurements. Zone of inhibition was measured using the disc diffusion method. Colony counts were performed using the pour plate method. For the maceration extract, the MIC was determined at 30% concentration and the MBC at 70% concentration. The percolation extract showed higher antimicrobial activity with MIC at 40% and MBC at 70%. Zone of inhibition measurements demonstrated dose-dependent activity, with the maceration extract showing mean inhibition zones ranging from 10.56 mm (10%) to 37.81 mm (100%), while percolation extract showed zones from 12.63 mm (20%) to 36.31 mm (100%). Colony counts decreased progressively with increasing extract concentrations in both extraction methods. Catharanthus roseus root extract demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against N. gonorrhoeae. The maceration method showed better antimicrobial efficacy with lower MIC values compared to percolation. These findings support the potential use of C. roseus root extract as an adjuvant therapy for gonococcal infections, including conjunctivitis.