Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Biology and Microbiology
First Advisor
R. Neil Reese
Abstract
This research focused on the evaluation of natural plant products in the treatment of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis infections and their potential for commercial exploitation. Native Americans used plants traditionally to treat an assortment of ailments and diseases ranging from iii diarrhea to tuberculosis. By utilizing traditional knowledge, potentially valuable medically bio-active plant extracts can be selected and tested for their antimicrobial activity. Eighty-four plant extracts were diluted into a series of wells that were then inoculated with the bacterium. After the incubation period, results were visually interpreted to conclude if the extract had an anti-bacterial affect. These cultures were also tested for their optical density to determine infection points from their growth. The extracts were also tested for cytotoxicity in porcine intestinal cells. Cytotoxicity of various extracts was determined using a MTT assay in which viable cells exhibited a purple color, while those not viable would remain a yellow color. Secondly, a DNA BrdU incorporation based proliferation assay, was used to measure the cytotoxicity of plants extracts on porcine intestinal cells which tags the DNA of the cells in order to determine the rate of growth in the cells. The optical density of these wells were also taken to examine whether the mammalian cells had increased in number or remained static. Ultimately, these research results will be used to guide the isolation and characterization of the specific chemical compounds responsible for their effects on E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. faecal is and other bacteria in in vitro cell cultures.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Endemic plants -- Therapeutic use -- South Dakota
Ethnobotany
Medicinal plants
Antibiotics
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Rietsema, Kristen L., "The Antibiotic Capacity and Cytotoxicity of South Dakotan-Native Plants" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2104.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/2104
Rights Statement
