The efficacy of Echinacea angustifolia tincture as an antimicrobial agent

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the effect of Echinacea angustifolia prepared in 30% ethanol and 62% ethanol in comparison to a 30% ethanol and 62% ethanol control respectively upon Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in terms of the Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test. The diameters of the zones of inhibition of the bacteria growth around the test and control substances were measured. The Echinacea angustifolia tincture prepared in 30% ethanol and the 30% ethanol control yielded no effect upon the bacteria tested. However, the Echinacea angustifolia tincture prepared in 62% ethanol and the 62% ethanol control both had an antimicrobial effect upon the bacteria. However, the Echinacea angustifolia tincture in 62% ethanol only produced a significant difference in comparison to the 62% ethanol control upon certain organisms, viz. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis.