Editorial

Ian E. Cock^1,2
1School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.
²Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, AUSTRALIA.
DOI: 10.5530/pc.2024.3.15

ABSTRACT

Dear Readers and Authors,

I am pleased to bring you Volume 14, Issue 3 of Pharmacognosy Communications. In this issue, we present an evaluation of the anti-bacterial activity of commercial products prepared using Eucalyptus major (Maiden) Blakely and Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel leaves. The products were screened for anti-bacterial activity against several bacterial pathogens, including Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and some Extended-Spectrum Β-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacterial strains. Notably, the Eucalyptus product was particularly potent, including against the antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. That study also reported that the commercial products were Ian E. Cock1,2 1Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA. 2School of Natural Sciences, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA. Correspondence: Ian E. Cock Editor-in-Chief 1Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, AUSTRALIA. 2School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, AUSTRALIA. Email id: i.cock@griffith.edu.au Editorial Editor-in-Chief non-toxic, highlighting their potential for topical usage. Another study tested Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg root extracts against some bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases and reported noteworthy activity. Additionally, the extracts were tested in combination with conventional antibiotics and multiple synergistic and additive interactions were noted. Another study also reports noteworthy activity for Anongessius latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) Wall. ex Euill. and Perr. triggers of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the A. latifolia extracts also potentiated the antibacterial activity of tetracycline and chloramphenicol, potentially reactivating them towards resistant bacterial strains. Several other plant extracts were also screened in that study, although, generally with only low activity. Another study presented in this issue screened Nigella damascena L. seed extracts, and reported that the extracts were generally ineffective at inhibioting the growth of any of the bacteria tested.