In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Jamelao Seed Proteins (Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels)

The interest in all types of research related to medicinal plants has intensified with the increase in microorganism resistance to conventional drugs. Within this context, antimicrobial peptides found in plant seeds are of great importance due to their high antimicrobial potential. Several authors have already reported such antimicrobial action in jamelao (Syzygiumcumini (L.) Skeels). Therefore, this work aimed to test the antimicrobial properties of the protein fraction from the jamelao seeds. The S. cumini protein fraction was obtained by precipitation with ammonium sulfate. After dialysis against distilled water, this fraction was dried, measured by the Bradford method, and submitted to electrophoresis by the Laemmli method. Additionally, tests to determine the antimicrobial activity were performed according to the Kirby - Bauer modified methodology. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by the Muller Hinton dilution method. Protein bands between 10 and 75 kDa were observed on the SDS - PAGE gel. Such protein fraction was able to inhibit the growth of a considerable portion of the microorganisms tested. The MIC varied between 2.07 and 4.625 ?g/mL of protein fraction. Based on the results of this study, additional chemical, pharmacologic, toxicology, and clinical tests must be performed with this plant due to the considerable antimicrobial effects recorded.