Emanations Volume 4

Ethnobotanical studies show that tonics of Picramnia pentandra (Simaroubaceae), known in the Dominican Republic as “palo de peje” or “palo de pez,” are used to combat fever, cholera, dysentery, parasite infections, and as a promoter of general gastrointestinal health. Drawing on the apparent anti-microbial value of this species, this study was performed to examine the efficacy of Picramnia pentandra against common bacterial and fungal infections. The leaves, flowers, bark, and root were collected, extracted with 95% ethanol, and tested for bioactivity against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, and the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three strains of the fungus Candida albicans using disk diffusion assays. Each extract reduced B. cereus, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa growth, resulting in inhibition zones ranging from 3.0-7.0mm. Clearer and larger zones of inhibition (3.5-8.0mm radius) were detected after exposure to long-wave UV radiation, which suggests potential enhancement of bioactivity through photo-activation of chemicals. Primary cytotoxicity tests using brine shrimp assays proved inconclusive. Chemical analysis of the crude extracts, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), vanillin, and Dragendorff spray reagents, indicated the presence of antioxidants, phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Thin-layer chromatography was used to separate extracts into their chemical components. Further studies of Picramnia pentandra should focus on effectiveness against specific gastrointestinal bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (cancer and ulcers), Vibrio cholerae (cholera), and Salmonella (food poisoning).