The Assessment of the Antimicrobial Potency of Alcoholic Bitters Herbal Remedies on E. Coli

ABSTRACT
This study assessed the antimicrobial poteney of alcoholic bitters herbal remedies on Escherichia coli. Alcoholic bitters herbal remedies (Goko cleanser. Odogwu bitters and Orijin bitters) were purchased from herbal sellers within Oweri
metropolis. The alcoholic biters were used raw as well as in concentrated form.
Agar well diffusion technique was adopted in the determination of the zones of
inhibition of the alcoholic biters against Escherichia coli. Tube dilution technique
was adopted in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the
alcoholic biters. Results showed that zones of inhibition recorded ranged from
10mm t o 18mm with raw alcoholic bitters and 14mm to 20mm with concentrated
bitters. Inhibitory effect was recorded at 500mg/ml with raw alcoholic biters and
250mg/ml to 500mg/ml with concentrated alcoholic bitters. Minimum bactericidal
concentration was recorded at 500mg/ml with the concentrated alcoholic bitters
while the raw alcoholic bitters showed bacteriostatic effect against Escherichia
coli. Most of the alcoholic bitters showed no antimicrobial effect against
Escherichia coli. There should be proper monitoring of the processes involved in
alcoholic bitters production in order to ensure adequate incorporation of important
medicinal plants that could confer antimicrobial potency in the alcoholic bitters herbal remedies.