Antibacterial Properties of Clitoria ternatea Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The emergence of antibacterial resistance among common human pathogens has become a major issue among the healthcare community. A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 stated that bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae have developed resistance against widely used antibiotics namely  Fluoroquinolones and Cephalosporins. On top of that, commercialised antibiotics are known to give side effects on immunocompromised patients. Hence, scientists are working on the development on natural antibiotics to combat the emergence of antibacterial resistance, as well as reducing unwanted side effects on the consumers. Recent studies have proven that a common herbaceous plant in Southeast Asia identified as Clitoria ternatea or butterfly pea, has the antibacterial properties that has been proven to fight off urinary tract infection pathogen, Proteus mirabilis. C. ternatea has also been utilised in traditional medicine to treats various diseases ranging from minor injuries such as headaches and inflammations to major diseases such as leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis. The phytochemical compounds of this plant are the main key property that make C. ternatea harbours antibacterial properties to inhibit growth of common human pathogens.