Anti-mycobacterial activity of extracts derived from Australian medicinal plants

Extracts of seventeen traditional Australian medicinal plants used to treat infections and respiratory conditions were tested for anti-mycobacterial activity against the fast-growing strains, Mycobacterium fortuitum and M. smegmatis. Four extracts, the aerial parts of Pterocaulon sphacelatum (Asteraceae), the bark and leaves of Acacia ligulata (Mimosaceae), the leaves and stems of Eremophila alternifolia (Myoporaceae) and the leaves of Eremophila longifolia, showed activity against M. smegmatis only, while the two Eremophila extracts were also active against M. fortuitum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 20-66 mg mL-1. The identification of the anti-mycobacterial compounds from these extracts may yield new and effective agents to combat diseases caused by Mycobacterium species.