Dilution test in multiple tube system was used to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity in inflorescences of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. - Asteraceae ("macela", "marcela"), expressed as intensity of bacterial inhibition activity (IINIB/bacteriostasis) and intensity of bacterial inactivation activity (IINAB/bactericidie), from ethanol (hydroalcoholic) and water (decoction) extraction forms on standardized inocula of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) and Salmonella enteritidis (ATCC 11076). E. faecalis had the highest sensitivity, followed by S. aureus, while S. enteritidis and E. coli were more resistant. Of the extraction forms, the hydroalcoholic one showed intense and selective inhibition and/or inactivation capacity against four bacterial inocula. Decoctions were completely ineffective against the Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Gram-positive bacteria showed only bacteriostasis/inhibition.
Achyrocline satureioides; antibacterial activity; bacterial inhibition; bacterial inactivation
