In Vitro Antifungal Antibacterial Activity of Partitions from Euphorbia tirucalli L.

We determined the antifungal and antimicrobial sensitivity of Euphorbia tirucalli extracts in vitro. Antifungal and antibacterial activity was determined based on the M38-A and M26-A protocols, respectively. The methanolic and ethanolic partitions demonstrated antidermatophytic activity against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC 125 mu g/mL for ethanol and MIC 125 mu g/mL for methanol) and T. interdigitalis (MIC 500 mu g/mL for ethanol; 125 mu g/mL for methanol). These partitions also showed antibacterial activity-the ethanolic partition had an MIC of 1.56 +/- 0.02 mg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (clinical isolate), 6.25 +/- 0.04 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus BAA-44, 3.13 +/- 0.13 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853, and 3.13 +/- 0.15 mg/mL against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; the methanolic partition showed an MIC of 1.56 +/- 0.02 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa 27853 and 1.56 +/- 0.043 mg/mL against E. coli ATCC 25922. These partitions show promise as antimicrobial agents or adjuvants in the treatment of infections caused by these microorganisms.