The anti-diarrhoeal properties of Breonadia salicina, Syzygium cordatum and Ozoroa sphaerocarpa when used in combination in Swazi traditional medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to determine in vitro activity of the bark of Ozoroa sphaerocarpa R. Fern & A. Fern (Anacardiaceae), Breonadia salicina (Vahl) Hepper & J.I.R. Wood (Rubiaceae) and Syzygium cordatum Hochst ex C Krauss (Myrtaceae) against a diarrhoea-causing pathogen, Escherichia coli; as well as the pharmacological interactions present in their combination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In consultation with traditional healers, the plants were collected from the wild, dried and extracted with dichloromethane:methanol (1:1). Thereafter, antimicrobial activity of the individual plants and their different combinations was tested using a common diarrhoea pathogen, Escherichia coli by employing the minimum inhibitory concentration assay.

RESULTS

Ozoroa sphaerocarpa was the most potent inhibitor of antimicrobial growth (MIC value of 1.2 mg/ml), followed by Syzygium cordatum (MIC value of 1.44 mgl/ml) and lastly Breonadia salicina (MIC value of 10.89 mg/ml). The combination between Syzygium cordatum and Ozoroa sphaerocarpa gave the strongest synergistic interaction (MIC value of 0.33 mg/ml); whilst that between Syzygium cordatum and Breonadia salicina was mildly synergistic (MIC value of 1.00 mg/ml). The triple combination (1:1:1) was also very effective in inhibiting microbial growth (MIC value of 0.44 mg/ml). The combined effect of these plants on toxicity was predominantly synergistic except for the combination of Ozoroa sphaerocarpa and Syzygium cordatum which was predominantly antagonistic (ΣFIC value of 1.48 ± 0.25). The triple combination had a favourable toxicity profile with an IC(50) value of 155.76 ± 11.86 μg/ml.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the rationale by traditional healers to use the bark of Syzygium cordatum, Breonadia salicina and Ozoroa sphaerocarpa in combination for the treatment of diarrhoea.