Dilution tests in multiple tube system were employed to evaluate the intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB) and bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB) of aqueous extracts (decoctions) and ethanolic extracts (alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts) from "cambitos" of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) leaf on the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25.923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19.433), Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 11.076), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 11.229). All extraction procedures presented selective inactivation and/or inhibition capacity on the evaluated bacteria; however, extracts from ethanolic distillation yielded the best results. Salmonella enteritidis had the highest sensitivity, followed by Enterococus faecalis. Later, such agents were subjected to suspension tests, in the same system, in absence or presence of organic matter (bovine serum), under controlled time. Salmonella enteritidis and Enterococus faecalis sensitivity to the different tested Ilex extracts decreased in the presence of organic matter and increased with exposure time.
Ilex paraguariensis; antibacterial activity; medicinal plants; yerba mate
