Biology Project
Author: Brian Hunt
21/04/09
Antibiotic Properties of Herbal products
Abstract
The purpose of our experiment was to determine if herbal remedies such as Tea Tree, Thyme, Garlic and Echinacea were as effective as conventional antibiotics such as amoxicillin, trimethelyne and gentomysin or whether they contain any antibacterial properties what so ever.
We set about designing an experiment which will explore the medicinal and antibiotic values of our plants. We began by researching plants of proven medicinal value. We then identified candidate plants for testing for biological activity. Our next step was to design a scientific experiment for testing for biological activity. We prepared plant samples for testing. We prepared agar plates for testing plant samples.
E. coli was cultured on agar plates. Paper discs of herbal remedies were placed on the agar plates as well as conventional antibiotics, trigene and water. Both trigene and water were acting as controls.
A table of results is included. The results are limited because we only tested against one form of bacteria…….E. coli.
Introduction
In our first lab we decided on which topic to research and conduct an experiment on. It was suggested to us by Dave that we research antibacterial properties of medicinal herbs as he had prior knowledge of this area. Research was conducted and we decided which herbs to use. We decided to use Tea Tree, Thyme, Garlic and Echinacea.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
History and uses: It is a multi-purpose herb that traces its roots to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Tea tree oil's properties are contained in the oils of its leaves.
The most promising new function of tea tree oil is to counter methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)also called the hospital super bug. In United States and European hospitals, MRSA grew from under 3% in the 1980s to 40% in the late 1990s. Research reported on in 2002 reported that tea...