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Effect of licorice extract on cell viability, biofilm formation and exotoxin production by Staphylococcus aureus

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Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most significant clinical pathogen, as it causes infections to humans and animals. Even though several antibiotics and other treatments have been used to control S. aureus infections and intoxication, bacterium is able to adapt, survive and produces exotoxins. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) has been used traditionally in various medicinal (antimicrobial) preparations, and Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the major active constituents present in it. In the present investigation the effect of licorice extract on methicillin susceptible S. aureus (FRI 722) and methicillin resistant S. aureus (ATCC 43300) growth and toxin production was studied. The MIC of licorice extract was found to be 0.25 and 2.5 mg GA ml−1 against S. aureus FRI 722 and S. aureus ATCC 43300, respectively. Inhibition of biofilm formation was observed even at very low concentration (25 μg GA ml−1). Gradual decrease in expression and production of exotoxins such as α and β hemolysins and enterotoxin B was observed with the increasing concentrations of licorice extract, however, suboptimal concentration induced the expression of some of the virulence genes. This study indicated efficacy of licorice extract in controlling growth and pathogenicity of both methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant S. aureus, however, the mechanisms of survival and toxin production at suboptimal concentration needs further study.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to Director, CSIR-CFTRI for constant encouragement. YSR acknowledges Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi for Senior Research Fellowship for Ph. D. programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fruit and Vegetable Technology Department, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570 020, India

    Yadahalli Shrihari Rohinishree & Pradeep Singh Negi

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  1. Yadahalli Shrihari Rohinishree
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  2. Pradeep Singh Negi
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Correspondence to Pradeep Singh Negi.

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Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Research Highlights

• Licorice extract had 30.52 % Glycyrrhizic acid on dry weight basis and it showed antistaphylococcal activity

• Licorice extract showed complete growth inhibition of MSSA at 0.25 mg mL−1 GA and MRSA at 2.5 mg mL−1 GA

• Licorice extract suppressed expression of toxin genes and production of toxins, and inhibited biofilm formation

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Rohinishree, Y.S., Negi, P.S. Effect of licorice extract on cell viability, biofilm formation and exotoxin production by Staphylococcus aureus . J Food Sci Technol 53, 1092–1100 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-2131-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-2131-6

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