J Ethnopharmacol. 1987 Aug; 20(3): 223-37.

Screening of antimicrobial activity of plants popularly used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatomucosal diseases.

CÃ¡ceres A, GirÃ³n LM, Alvarado SR, Torres MF.

Center for Mesoamerican Studies on Appropriate Technology, University of San Carlos, Guatemala City, Central America.

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among traditional healers and local market vendors; about 200 plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatomucosal diseases were detected. By literature review and according to local availability, 89 plants were selected for in vitro screening for antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms usually causing skin and mucosal infections. Ethanolic macerations were prepared and impregnated in absorbent paper; once dried, these were applied over standardized inocula of Candida albicans, Escherichia, coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. After incubation, inhibition zones were measured, demonstrating that 28 of the plants exhibited some in vitro inhibition of the tested microorganisms.