Chapters authored
Combinations of Extracts of Propolis and Other Compounds Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism of great health risk because of its high resistance to antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) are most at risk, especially in hospital patients and children. In recent years, it has been shown that a combination therapy of two or more drugs is more effective than monotherapy traditional. Furthermore, it has also been seen that many natural substances and plant extracts can inhibit the MRSA growth and other microorganisms. However, little has been studied about the combinations of different extracts or extracts combination with other commonly used drugs. The purpose of this work was to evaluate of extracts of propolis with garlic, oregano and ciprofloxacin to inhibit growth of MRSA strains, using isobolographic method. The results showed that combinations of garlic with propolis inhibit the growth of MRSA, but only in small concentrations. High concentrations of these two extracts appear to have an antagonistic effect. Combinations of propolis and oregano show a synergistic effect at any concentration. Finally, the combination of propolis with ciprofloxacin has an antagonistic effect. The action of ciprofloxacin is decreased when was combined with propolis. Health professionals should know this to warn patients when they use a natural resource, especially if a drug is being administered.
Part of the book: Active Ingredients from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants
Technological Development in the Use of Allium sativum Aqueous Extracts in the Agricultural Field
The advance in agricultural technology could increase their commercialization, being the agronomic management for each crop an alternative. The management of natural products is a relevant and responsible need, in order to improve the quality and production of food, and to protect the agro-ecosystem biodiversity. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to present our five-year study advances in mango and rambutan agronomic management with aqueous extract of Allium sativum and the use of natural adherent such as Melipona solani honey that improves the function of the components in the biological processes of the crop. Our results showed that this aqueous extract promotes the emission of vegetative and floral shoots, increases flower development, works as an attractant for pollinators, promotes fruit set, stimulates fruit growth, acts as an insecticide to control thrips and mealybugs and stimulates the production of defense metabolites, such as polyphenol compounds. The use of stingless bee honey as an adherent and the aqueous extract of A. sativum could be a key to potentiate the function of its components in leaves, panicles, flowers and fruits.
Part of the book: Organic Fertilizers