In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts From Five Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used to Treat Infections in Burundi
Keywords:
Antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Mikania natalensis, Burundi herbal medicine
Abstract
Infectious diseases periodically emerge or re-emerge, causing epidemics or pandemics that significantly impact global health. While hygiene measures and antibiotics have improved infection control, the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance remains a major threat. In this context, extracts from five plants used in traditional Burundian medicine (Mikania natalensis DC., Helichrysum congolanum Schltr. & O. Hoffm., Justicia nyassana Lindau, Urtica massaica Mildbr., and Senecio maranguensis O. Hoffm.) were evaluated for their antibacterial and antioxidant potential. Antibacterial activities were assessed on fifteen bacterial strains using microdilution method and TLC-bioautography, while antioxidant activity was assessed through the DPPH• radical scavenging method. Gram-positive strains, particularly S. aureus, showed greater sensitivity compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Four plants exhibited active extracts with MICs between 250 and 1000 µg/mL, except for S. maranguensis (MICs ≥ 2000 µg/mL). M. natalensis was the most active, with dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts showing MICs of 250 and 500 µg/mL. Beyond their intrinsic antibacterial activity, this study reveals that otherwise inactive extracts of M. natalensis can significantly potentiate β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics against multidrug-resistant S.aureus, highlighting a previously underexplored resistance-modulating effect. Methanolic extracts of all five plants displayed modest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values, expressed as quercetin equivalents (IC₅₀ QE) ranging from < 0.08 to 0.169±0.0065. These findings highlight the potential of Burundian medicinal plants in combating antibiotic resistances, though the use of S. maranguensis should be carefully reevaluated, given the well-known occurrence of genotoxic and hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the genus.
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References:
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2. Akinyede, K. A., Cupido, C. N., Hughes, G. D., Oguntibeju, O. O., & Ekpo, O. E. (2021). Medicinal properties and in vitro biological activities of selected helichrysum species from South Africa: A review. Plants, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081566
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8. Bekro, Y.-A., Mamyrbekova, J., Boua, B., Tra Bi, F., & Ehile, E. (2007). Étude ethnobotanique et screening phytochimique de Caesalpinia benthamiana (Baill.) Herend. et Zarucchi (Caesalpiniaceae). Sciences & Nature, 4(2), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.4314/scinat.v4i2.42146
9. Bloom, D. E., & Cadarette, D. (2019). Infectious Disease Threats in the Twenty-First Century: Strengthening the Global Response. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 549. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00549
10. Borghi, A. A., Minatel, E., Mizobuti, D. S., de Lourenço, C. C., Fernandes de Araújo, F., Maria Pastore, G., Hewitson, P., Ignatova, S., & CHF Sawaya, A. (2023). Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata Extracts. Pharmacognosy Research, 15(1), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.5530/097484900264
11. Chen, H., Liu, K., Li, Z., & Wang, P. (2019). Point of care testing for infectious diseases. Clinica Chimica Acta, 493, 138–147.
12. Da Silva, A. S., Owiti, A. O., & Barbosa, W. L. R. (2018). Pharmacology of Mikania genus: A systematic review. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 1(2), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev
13. Diatta, B. D., Niass, O., Gueye, M., Houël, E., & Boetsch, G. (2022). Diversité Et Activité Antimicrobienne Des Plantes Impliquées Dans Le Traitement Des Affections Dermatologiques Chez Les Peul Et Les Wolof Du Ferlo Nord (Sénégal). European Scientific Journal ESJ, 18(8), 73–97. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2022.v18n8p73
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17. Khatun, R., Rashid, M., Alam, A., Lee, Y.-I., & Rahman, M. A. A. (2020). Evaluation of comparative phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Mikania species available in Bangladesh. Frontiers in Science, 10(April), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.fs.20201001.01
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19. Murray, C. J., Ikuta, K. S., Sharara, F., Swetschinski, L., Aguilar, G. R., Gray, A., Han, C., Bisignano, C., Rao, P., Wool, E., & Johnson, S. C. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, 399(10325), 629–655. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(21)02724-0
20. Nahayo, A., Bigendako, M. J., Fawcett, K., Nkusi, H., Nkurikiyimfura, J. B., & Yansheng, G. U. (2008). Chemical Study of the Stems of Urtica massaica, a Medicinal Plant Eaten by Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Res. J. Appl. Sci, 3(7), 514–520.
21. Ngezahayo, J., Havyarimana, F., Hari, L., Stévigny, C., & Duez, P. (2015). Medicinal plants used by Burundian traditional healers for the treatment of microbial diseases. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 173, 338–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.07.028
22. Ngezahayo, J., Ribeiro, S. O., Fontaine, V., Hari, L., Stévigny, C., & Duez, P. (2017). In vitro Study of Five Herbs Used Against Microbial Infections in Burundi. Phytotherapy Research, 31(10), 1571–1578. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5887
23. Nzoyisubiziki, J., Ngezahayo, J., Ngendahimana, A., Nachtergael, A., Sindayihebura, A., Bukuru, A., Ntakarutimana, V., Tabyaoui, M., & Duez, P. (2024). Extension of the EU"Traditional Herbal Medicine" concept to an oral transmission context: the traditional uses of the five anti-infectious medicinal plants most widely used in Burundi. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 29, 1–21. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.32859/era.29.1.1-21
24. Okusa, P. N., Stévigny, C., Devleeschouwer, M., & Duez, P. (2010). Optimization of the culture medium used for direct TLC-bioautography. Application to the detection of antimicrobial compounds from Cordia gilletii de Wild (Boraginaceae). Journal of Planar Chromatography - Modern TLC, 23(4), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1556/JPC.23.2010.4.1
25. Pourmorad, F., Hosseinimehr, S. J., & Shahabimajd, N. (2006). Antioxidant activity , phenol and flavonoid contents of some selected Iranian medicinal plants. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(June), 1142–1145.
26. Raoul, H., & Yazdanpanah, Y. (2022). Répondre aux maladies infectieuses: un défi toujours renouvelé. Médecine/Sciences, 38(4), 335–336.
27. Rios, J. L., & Recio, M. C. (2005). Medicinal plants and antimicrobial activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100(1–2), 80–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.025
28. Rodrigues, A., Eparvier, V., Odonne, G., Amusant, N., Stien, D., & Houël, E. (2019). The antifungal potential of (Z)-ligustilide and the protective effect of eugenol demonstrated by a chemometric approach. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45222-y
29. Rufatto, L. C., Gower, A., Schwambach, J., & Moura, S. (2012). Genus Mikania: Chemical composition and phytotherapeutical activity. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 22(6), 1384–1403. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2012005000099
30. Sheam, M., Haque, Z., & Nain, Z. (2020). Towards the antimicrobial, therapeutic and invasive properties of Mikania micrantha Knuth: A brief overview. Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics, 3(2), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.5455/jabet.2020.d112
31. Sorci, G., & Faivre, B. (2023). Âge et taux de létalité des maladies infectieuses. Médecine/Sciences, 39(3), 287–289.
32. Süzgeç-Selçuk, S., & Birteksöz, A. S. (2011). Flavonoids of Helichrysum chasmolycicum and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. South African Journal of Botany, 77(1), 170–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2010.07.017
33. WHO. (2013). WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023. In World Health Organization. World Health Organization. https://doi.org/2013
34. Wijayaa, S., Neeb, T. K., Jinc, K. T., & Wiartb, C. (2020). Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-acethylcholinesterase Activity of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd (Climbing Hempvine). Asian J. Pharmacogn, 4(1), 15–24. http://www.pharmacognosyasia.com/Files/Other/AJPV4I1p1524.pdf
35. Wong, D. (2025). Debunking common myths in infectious diseases practice. BC Medical Journal, 67(10), 345-369.
1. Ahmed, M. F. (2013). Evaluation of Antioxidant activity of Stephania japonica and Mikania cordata. East West University, Bangladesh.
2. Akinyede, K. A., Cupido, C. N., Hughes, G. D., Oguntibeju, O. O., & Ekpo, O. E. (2021). Medicinal properties and in vitro biological activities of selected helichrysum species from South Africa: A review. Plants, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081566
3. Allan, K., Lizzy, M., Christine, B. I. I., & Brian, K. (2019). The antimicrobial activity of the leaves of Urtica massaica on Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli . Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, 7(2), 21–24.
4. Aspect, A., Bach, J. F., Bony, J. M., & Bordé, C. (2021). La maîtrise des maladies infectieuses: Un défi de santé publique, une ambition médico-scientifique. In La maîtrise des maladies infectieuses. EDP sciences.
5. Assaf, H., Nafady, A., Allam, A., Hamed, A., & Kamel, M. (2020). Phytochemistry and biological activity of family “Urticaceae”: a review (1957-2019). Journal of Advanced Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 0(0), 0–0. https://doi.org/10.21608/jabps.2020.24043.1073
6. Baker, R. E., Mahmud, A. S., Miller, I. F., Rajeev, M., Rasambainarivo, F., Rice, B. L., Takahashi, S., Tatem, A. J., Wagner, C. E., Wang, L. F., & Wesolowski, A. (2022). Infectious disease in an era of global change. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 20(4), 193–205.
7. Baqueiro-Peña, I., & Guerrero-Beltrán, J. (2017). Physicochemical and antioxidant characterization of Juticia spicigera. Food Chemistry, 218, 305–312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.09.078
8. Bekro, Y.-A., Mamyrbekova, J., Boua, B., Tra Bi, F., & Ehile, E. (2007). Étude ethnobotanique et screening phytochimique de Caesalpinia benthamiana (Baill.) Herend. et Zarucchi (Caesalpiniaceae). Sciences & Nature, 4(2), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.4314/scinat.v4i2.42146
9. Bloom, D. E., & Cadarette, D. (2019). Infectious Disease Threats in the Twenty-First Century: Strengthening the Global Response. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 549. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00549
10. Borghi, A. A., Minatel, E., Mizobuti, D. S., de Lourenço, C. C., Fernandes de Araújo, F., Maria Pastore, G., Hewitson, P., Ignatova, S., & CHF Sawaya, A. (2023). Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata Extracts. Pharmacognosy Research, 15(1), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.5530/097484900264
11. Chen, H., Liu, K., Li, Z., & Wang, P. (2019). Point of care testing for infectious diseases. Clinica Chimica Acta, 493, 138–147.
12. Da Silva, A. S., Owiti, A. O., & Barbosa, W. L. R. (2018). Pharmacology of Mikania genus: A systematic review. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 1(2), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.4103/phrev.phrev
13. Diatta, B. D., Niass, O., Gueye, M., Houël, E., & Boetsch, G. (2022). Diversité Et Activité Antimicrobienne Des Plantes Impliquées Dans Le Traitement Des Affections Dermatologiques Chez Les Peul Et Les Wolof Du Ferlo Nord (Sénégal). European Scientific Journal ESJ, 18(8), 73–97. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2022.v18n8p73
14. Getahun, M., Nesru, Y., Ahmed, M., Satapathy, S., Shenkute, K., Gupta, N., & Naimuddin, M. (2023). Phytochemical Composition , Antioxidant , Antimicrobial , Antibiofilm , and Antiquorum Sensing Potential of Methanol Extract and Essential Oil from Acanthus polystachyus Delile ( Acanthaceae ). ACS Omega, 8(45), 43024–43036. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.3c06246
15. Handa, S. S., Khanuja, S. P. S., Longo, G., & Rakesh, D. D. (2008). Extraction technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants. INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
16. Ivanov, A. V., Bartosch, B., & Isaguliants, M. G. (2017). Oxidative stress in infection and consequent disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, 3496043. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3496043
17. Khatun, R., Rashid, M., Alam, A., Lee, Y.-I., & Rahman, M. A. A. (2020). Evaluation of comparative phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Mikania species available in Bangladesh. Frontiers in Science, 10(April), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.fs.20201001.01
18. Lourens, A. C. U., Van Vuuren, S. F., Viljoen, A. M., Davids, H., & Van Heerden, F. R. (2011). Antimicrobial activity and in vitro cytotoxicity of selected South African Helichrysum species. South African Journal of Botany, 77(1), 229–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2010.05.006
19. Murray, C. J., Ikuta, K. S., Sharara, F., Swetschinski, L., Aguilar, G. R., Gray, A., Han, C., Bisignano, C., Rao, P., Wool, E., & Johnson, S. C. (2022). Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet, 399(10325), 629–655. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(21)02724-0
20. Nahayo, A., Bigendako, M. J., Fawcett, K., Nkusi, H., Nkurikiyimfura, J. B., & Yansheng, G. U. (2008). Chemical Study of the Stems of Urtica massaica, a Medicinal Plant Eaten by Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Res. J. Appl. Sci, 3(7), 514–520.
21. Ngezahayo, J., Havyarimana, F., Hari, L., Stévigny, C., & Duez, P. (2015). Medicinal plants used by Burundian traditional healers for the treatment of microbial diseases. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 173, 338–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.07.028
22. Ngezahayo, J., Ribeiro, S. O., Fontaine, V., Hari, L., Stévigny, C., & Duez, P. (2017). In vitro Study of Five Herbs Used Against Microbial Infections in Burundi. Phytotherapy Research, 31(10), 1571–1578. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5887
23. Nzoyisubiziki, J., Ngezahayo, J., Ngendahimana, A., Nachtergael, A., Sindayihebura, A., Bukuru, A., Ntakarutimana, V., Tabyaoui, M., & Duez, P. (2024). Extension of the EU"Traditional Herbal Medicine" concept to an oral transmission context: the traditional uses of the five anti-infectious medicinal plants most widely used in Burundi. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 29, 1–21. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.32859/era.29.1.1-21
24. Okusa, P. N., Stévigny, C., Devleeschouwer, M., & Duez, P. (2010). Optimization of the culture medium used for direct TLC-bioautography. Application to the detection of antimicrobial compounds from Cordia gilletii de Wild (Boraginaceae). Journal of Planar Chromatography - Modern TLC, 23(4), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1556/JPC.23.2010.4.1
25. Pourmorad, F., Hosseinimehr, S. J., & Shahabimajd, N. (2006). Antioxidant activity , phenol and flavonoid contents of some selected Iranian medicinal plants. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(June), 1142–1145.
26. Raoul, H., & Yazdanpanah, Y. (2022). Répondre aux maladies infectieuses: un défi toujours renouvelé. Médecine/Sciences, 38(4), 335–336.
27. Rios, J. L., & Recio, M. C. (2005). Medicinal plants and antimicrobial activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100(1–2), 80–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.025
28. Rodrigues, A., Eparvier, V., Odonne, G., Amusant, N., Stien, D., & Houël, E. (2019). The antifungal potential of (Z)-ligustilide and the protective effect of eugenol demonstrated by a chemometric approach. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-45222-y
29. Rufatto, L. C., Gower, A., Schwambach, J., & Moura, S. (2012). Genus Mikania: Chemical composition and phytotherapeutical activity. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 22(6), 1384–1403. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-695X2012005000099
30. Sheam, M., Haque, Z., & Nain, Z. (2020). Towards the antimicrobial, therapeutic and invasive properties of Mikania micrantha Knuth: A brief overview. Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics, 3(2), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.5455/jabet.2020.d112
31. Sorci, G., & Faivre, B. (2023). Âge et taux de létalité des maladies infectieuses. Médecine/Sciences, 39(3), 287–289.
32. Süzgeç-Selçuk, S., & Birteksöz, A. S. (2011). Flavonoids of Helichrysum chasmolycicum and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. South African Journal of Botany, 77(1), 170–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2010.07.017
33. WHO. (2013). WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023. In World Health Organization. World Health Organization. https://doi.org/2013
34. Wijayaa, S., Neeb, T. K., Jinc, K. T., & Wiartb, C. (2020). Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-acethylcholinesterase Activity of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd (Climbing Hempvine). Asian J. Pharmacogn, 4(1), 15–24. http://www.pharmacognosyasia.com/Files/Other/AJPV4I1p1524.pdf
35. Wong, D. (2025). Debunking common myths in infectious diseases practice. BC Medical Journal, 67(10), 345-369.
Published
2026-03-31
How to Cite
Nzoyisubiziki, J., Ngezahayo, J., Ntakarutimana, V., Nachtergael, A., Duez, P., & Tabyaoui, M. (2026). In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts From Five Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used to Treat Infections in Burundi. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 22(9), 1. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2026.v22n9p1
Section
ESJ Natural/Life/Medical Sciences
Copyright (c) 2026 Japhet Nzoyisubiziki, Jeremie Ngezahayo, Vestine Ntakarutimana, Amandine Nachtergael, Pierre Duez, Mohamed Tabyaoui
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
