Effects of Helichrysum italicum extract on growth and enzymatic activity of Staphylococcus aureus

Helichrysum italicum G. Don (Compositae) is a shrub commonly found in dry, sandy and stony areas of Mediterranean regions. This plant is known for its anti-inflammatory. anti-allergic and antimicrobial activity. The aim of th is study was to evaluate the effect of the diethyl ether extract on growth of Slaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P, MRSA and MSSA isolates) and the influ ence of subminimum inhibitory concentrations (subMICs) on some enzymes whic h are considered virulence factors. The results indicate that the H. italic um extract had an inhibitory effect on S. aureus strains reducing both thei r growth and some of the enzymes such as coagulase, DNAse, thermonuclease a nd lipase. Helichrysum italicum extract could be a novel antimicrobial agen t, less tor;ic to human skin and tissues, worthy of further studies. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science B.V, and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rig hts reserved.