The Effect of Some Sudanese Medicinal Plant Extracts on Some Clinically Isolated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Bacteria

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Plants are an abundant source of biologically active compounds that have been shown to be effective antimicrobial agents. Many plants have traditionally been used to treat Mycobacterium infections. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of local medicinal plants on Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. The investigation was carried out on 130 pulmonary tuberculosis specimens from humans, obtained from Abo Anga and Al-Shaab hospitals. There were 103 infected males and 27 infected females, all of whom were between the ages of 20 and 30. The specimens were smeared, fixed, and stained directly with Ziehl-Neelsen. The acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were visible as red, straight, or slightly curved rods, singly or in small groups against a blue background.

The seven isolates were tested against extracts of Sudanese medicinal plants that had previously been shown to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. The most active extracts were those of six plants particularly four extracts, belonging to two families that demonstrated activity against clinical isolates, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. Phytochemical screening was performed on the plants that demonstrated high anti-TB activity. It was concluded that specific tannins, saponins, and flavonoids play a significant role in anti-TB activity.