In Vitro Anti-microbial effect of various extracts of Ġokṣura (Tribulus terrestris) fruits on common pathogens causing Urinary Tract Infection

Introduction: The present study was carried out with an objective to investigate the antimicrobial potentials of various extracts of Gokṣura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) fruits on common uropathogen strains. Material and Methods: Aqueous, ethanol, chloroform, petroleum ether extracts of fruits of Tribulus terrestris were evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against certain uropathogen strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined in the extracts using agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial activities of extracts (5%, 10% and 15% w/v) of Tribulus terrestris were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterococcus faecalis.   Zone of inhibition of extracts were compared with that of standard drug Azithromycin 1 % w/v (Positive control) and DMSO(Negative control) for antibacterial activity. Observations and Results: Inhibition of the bacterial growth was shown against the tested organisms in all extracts but ethanol extract at 15% concentration showed highest activity against all pathogens. The phytochemical analyses of the plants were also carried out which was found to be similar to standard values of API. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Tribulus terrestris possesses significant antibacterial activity against common uropathogens.