ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF SEA BUCKTHORN EXTRACT AND POWDER AGAINST LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Abstract

Introduction. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most important foodborne pathogens, responsible for severe infections associated with high hospitalization and mortality rates. In the context of growing interest in natural preservatives, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is considered a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential.

Aim of the study. To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sea buckthorn extract and powder against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932.

Materials and methods. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the twofold broth dilution method according to CLSI recommendations.

Results. Both products exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. Sea buckthorn extract produced inhibition zones ranging from 10.27 ± 0.31 mm to 23.33 ± 0.58 mm, exceeding those obtained with sea buckthorn powder (8.0 ± 0.0 - 17.77 ± 0.25 mm). The MIC and MBC values for the extract were 8.0 mg/mL and 16.0 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for the powder were 64.00 mg/mL and 128.00 mg/mL.

Conclusions. Sea buckthorn extract demonstrated greater antibacterial activity than sea buckthorn powder, highlighting the potential of this plant as a natural source of antimicrobial compounds for controlling L. monocytogenes contamination and improving the microbiological safety of food products.