ABSTRACT
Context: Anagallis arvensis L. (Scarlet pimpernel) was used to treatment of several ailments in several countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of leaf methanolic extract of A. arvensis against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: In this study A. arvensis leaf was shade dried, powdered and extract was made by using methanol. The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract was investigated against clinical isolates of MRSA by both the disc diffusion method and the microbroth dilution method. Results: The result of disc diffusion method showed that the plant extract recorded different degrees of antibacterial activity on MRSA as evidenced by the inhibited zones. The MICs of the plant extract and vancomycin were >100 and 14.5±0.1 μg/mL, respectively. This results showed that the plant extract although have slightly effect on MRAS but it was not sufficient strong. Discussion and Conclusion: A. arvensis leaf extract has anti-MRSA properties, corroborating the traditional therapeutic uses of this plant, and can be used in the therapy of infectious diseases as well as an antimicrobial supplement in food industries.