Abstract:

Background: There are varieties of medicinal plants used worldwide by many people, although in most cases no scientific studies have been done to prove the efficacy of these medicinal plants. Most of medicinal plants are of European, and Arabic origin, and despite of using modern drugs for treatment people also use traditional medicines too. The variety of plants used around the world as medicines may be fortune for drug development.

Limited information on the therapeutic use of various plants in Tanzania, therefore the aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of eucalyptus essential oil against S.aureus from open wounds.

Methodology: This experimental study was conducted from April to June 2017. Eucalyptus oil was purchased from Mwanza market and was sent to CUHAS laboratory. Five flasks were prepared and with different millilitres of oil then 1ml of 70% ethanol was added in each of the flask and water to make 10mls in each flask. Sterilized discs were prepared and placed in sterilized containers containing the oil extract allow absorption. Using disc diffusion method data were obtained.

Results: The extract of eucalyptus oil was able to inhibit growth of S.aureus. With zone of inhibition between 14mm-16mm and the minimum inhibitory volume of the oil extract which was able to inhibit growth was ≥ 3ml-7ml. The sensitivity for S.aureus was 2(10%) and 9(45%) to oil extract, were completely sensitive to vancomycin, and sensitivity to ciprofloxacin MSSA 5(50%), MRSA 2(20%) were susceptible.

Conclusion: Concerning this study, it has shown potential antibacterial activity of eucalyptus oil obtained from leaves of eucalyptus tree against S.aureus.