In vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Syzigium aromaticum (Clove) against Bacteria Isolated from Different Clinical Specimens in Shendi Town, Sudan

Background: Herbal medicinal products have been documented as a significant source for discovering new pharmaceutical molecules that have been used to treat serious diseases. It has been postulated that the geographical locations of the herbs affect the constituents of their essential oils and thus the degree of their antimicrobial action. Syzigium aromaticum (clove) is a traditional spice used as an antimicrobial agent and an alternative solution to increased antibiotic resistance by bacterial strains.

Objective: This study aimed to study the in vitro antimicrobial activity of different clove concentrations against bacteria isolated from clinical specimens.

Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Shendi City, Sudan, from February to March 2023, at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences. 50 samples were collected from urine and wounds, from which eight strains of pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified using gram stain and biochemical tests. Clove was tested using a 100%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5% concentration.

Results: Out of 50 clinical specimens, standard strains were confirmed as S. aureus 13 (26%), S. epidermidis 7 (14%), E. faecalis 1 (2%), E. coli 15 (30%), Enterobacter 3 (6%), Citrobacter 2 (4%), K. pneumoniae 4 (8%), and P. aeruginosa 5 (10%). Clove showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against all clinical isolates and standard strains.

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the aqueous extract of clove can exhibit high antimicrobial activity against all types of tested organisms, both clinical and standard. The findings indicate that, besides being safe and sensorial attractive, Clove has antimicrobial activity, making it an herbal antimicrobial agent.