Exploring Guava and Neem Extracts as Therapeutic Options for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Africa
Victory Kokolae Efoli-Bam
Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Jumoke Oyaniyi
Department of Microbiology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria.
David Odanibeh
Department of Biotechnology, University of the West of Scotland, Scotland.
Chukwuma Junior Josephson
Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
Banwo Faridah Mobolanle
Department of Zoology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Chikwesiri Emmanuel Onyema
Department of Human Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Jane-Frances Chinenye Ojobor
Department of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Markurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Chukwuma Great Udensi
Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Eberechukwu Osinachi Azubuike
Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Chibuzo Valentine Nwokafor *
Department of Biotechnology, University of the West of Scotland, Scotland and Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
MRSA is a virulent strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and a principal cause of disease prevalence and death rates. MRSA's resistance to traditional antibiotics makes it a rather crucial threat to public health. Plants with traditional medicinal uses, including A. indica and P. guajava, may provide an alternate means of treatment. This review explores the antibacterial capabilities of Psidium guajava (guava) and Azadirachta indica (neem) against MRSA by evaluating data from multiple investigations carried out in Africa. Study shows that A. indica and P. guajava extracts may have strong antibacterial action; multiple studies show that they can prevent growth of MRSA and stop formation of biofilms. Despite the extracts' lower efficacy when compared to modern antibiotics, reports suggest that plant extracts could serve as a novel approach to effectively tackle antimicrobial resistance due to their enhanced synergistic efficacy when combined with other extracts. This is all achieved with low toxicity, hence the call for more research to investigate this thoroughly. Moreover, the socio-economic consequences of applying these easily accessible and reasonably priced plant-based remedies in environments with limited resources were determined to be advantageous to Africa. The review highlights the necessity of conducting more thorough clinical trials and standardizing procedures to validate the therapeutic potential of these plants against MRSA.
Keywords: MRSA. herbal plant, antibacterial activity, Azadirachta indica, Psidium guajava