Antimicrobial evaluation of the hydro-soluble extract from opuntia ficus-indica seeds against bacterial and fungal pathogens

The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance requires the development of alternative natural bioactive compounds. This research describes the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of hydro-soluble extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds. Seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica were collected from the Bordj Bou Arreridj region (Algeria). Hydro-soluble extracts were prepared and tested against selected bacterial and fungal strains using the disk diffusion method. Different concentrations were applied, and inhibition zones were measured to assess the antimicrobial activity. The extract exhibited low antibacterial activity, with inhibition observed only at 110 mg/mL against specific bacterial strains. In contrast, the significant antifungal activity was recorded, with clear inhibition zones against several fungi and yeasts. The results indicate a selective antimicrobial effect, suggesting that the bioactive compounds present in the extract are more active against fungal microorganisms than bacteria. Hydro-soluble extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica seeds constitute a potential natural source of antifungal agents with limited antibacterial effects. These findings support their potential application in antifungal formulations and encourage further studies to identify active compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

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