Phytochemical Profile and In-Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Lowland Honeys against Some Medically Important Pathogens from Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

Variation in phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of honey varieties is mainly dependent on geographical, seasonal and botanical origin. The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profiles and in-vitro antibacterial activities of honey samples collected from lowlands of Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia. The major phytochemical classes were investigated using qualitative standard procedures. Different concentrations of each honey samples were tested for antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), E. coli O157:H7) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using disc diffusion method in triplicates. The findings of this study revealed that most honey samples possessed bioactive components such as alkaloids, glycosides and flavonoids which attributed to the antibacterial effects against human pathogen. All honey samples showed no activities against P. aeruginosa at 25%, 50% and 75% concentrations of honey. The maximum inhibition zone (8.5 ± 4.8) against S. aureus was recorded at 25% concentration from Genda Hassen honey sample followed by Erer honey (7.5 ± 0.97). The lowest minimum inhibition concentration (6.25%) was obtained in Genda Hassen honey against E. coli O157:H7 followed by GHH and GIH (12.5%) against S. aureus. The Genda Hassen honey showed highest bactericidal activity against S. aureus at 12.5% and E. coli O157:H7 at 25% honey concentration. The Eastern Hararghe lowland honey samples had high antibacterial potency against some medically important pathogens. The source of samples could be resulted from plant diversity, geographical locations and seasonal variations. Therefore, it is recommended that honey study at different agro-ecological locations is vital to find medically valuable honey type.