Antibacterial Activity of Corryocactus brevistylus (Sanky) Methanolic Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

Background: Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis are bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed. Corryocactus brevistylus is a Peruvian cactus with an antibacterial effect that has not yet been studied. Objective: To determine the antibacterial effect of C. brevistylus methanol extract against S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and E. faecalis (ATCC 29212). Methods: Sanky fruits were extracted with methanol (1:2, w/v). Agar well diffusion tests were used by preparing wells with the experimental solutions cultivated in aerobic conditions for 24 h at 37°C. Six independent tests were prepared for each type of bacteria, using penicillin–streptomycin and chlorhexidine as positive controls. The MIC was determined using the microdilution method as described by the CLSI. Results: The antibacterial effect of the methanol extract was dose-dependent, with inhibition zones of 23.33 ± 0.72 and 24.34 ± 0.55 mm against S. aureus and E. faecalis, respectively, at the highest concentration. Meanwhile, penicillin–streptomycin (10 U) and chlorhexidine produced inhibition zones comparable to the extract at the highest concentration. The MIC achieved by the extract was 15.6 mg/mL for both S. aureus and E. faecalis, while the MBC for S. aureus was 62.5 mg/mL and for E. faecalis 31.3 mg/mL. Conclusions: Weak antibacterial potency was observed in the methanolic extract of C. brevistylus against the strains of S. aureus and E. faecalis.