Antimicrobial activity of Tagetes minuta L. - Compositae (Chinchilho) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract

The decoct of Tagetes minuta L. - Compositae (Chinchilho) was submitted to serial dilutions in vitro for testing with the multiple tubes technique its antimicrobial activities - expressed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericide Concentration (MBC)-, to different concentrations of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium) and Gram-negative (Salmonella Gallinarum, Escherichia coli) bacteria inocula. The statistical analysis showed, for part of decoct concentration / bacterial dilution combinations, that Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Salmonella had major antimicrobial sensibility to decoct, demonstrating selective action. Escherichia revealed resistance to antimicrobial activities of the decoct, also under 10(4)cfu/ml inoculation levels. These data confirm the antiseptic qualities conferred to Tagetes minuta (Chinchilho) decoct by folks. It is possible its use either as antiseptic or disinfectant in animal health and production problematic-situations such as lack of resources or social economic exclusion.