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 this study was to evaluate the effect of the diethyl ether extract on growth of Slaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P, MRSA and MSSA isolates) and the influence of subminimum inhibitory concentrations (subMICs) on some enzymes which are considered virulence factors. The results indicate that the H. italicum extract had an inhibitory effect on S. aureus strains reducing both their growth and some of the enzymes such as coagulase, DNAse, thermonuclease and lipase. Helichrysum italicum extract could be a novel antimicrobial agent, less tor;ic to human skin and tissues, worthy of further studies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.