Antibacterial activity of Chamomile and Nigella sativa ( Medical Laboratory Sciences)

Supervisor :

Mr. Ahmad Abdalrahim 

Abstract:

Herbal medicine has its origin in ancient cultures including those of the Egyptians, American, Indian and Chinese. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat diseases and enhances the general health and wellbeing. The chamomile is a well-known plant, used in making effective treatment to variety of illness. It has a great relaxant action on the nervous and the digestive systems. The seed of Nigella sativa (commonly known as the black seeds) has been used for the treatment of respiratory illness, stomach and intestinal diseases, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support. Its oil has been used in the treatment of dermatological diseases such as eczema and boils. The aim of this study is to find out the antibacterial activity of Nigella sativa and chamomile against staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Nigella sativa showed no antibacterial activity against E.coli and staphylococcus aureus at any concentration equals to or less than 10%. Chamomile also exhibits no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus at or below 10% concentration, however, decreasing turbidity was observed against E. coli as the concentration of plant increased. The MIC of chamomile that inhibits E.coli growth was 30%. It is expected that these plants may have an antibacterial effect against these bacteria at a higher concentration, but the toxicity effect of plant at a higher concentration should be considered.