The Effect of the Preparation Method on the Content of Biologically Active Substances and Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Marigold Flowers (Tagetes patula L.)

Introduction: The search for new sources of biologically active substances with antimicrobial properties represents a significant direction in modern biotechnology and pharmacology. A promising source of such substances is Tagetes patula L. (French marigold). Despite the high potential biological activity of aqueous extracts of T. patula, they remain insufficiently studied compared to extracts obtained using other solvents and extraction methods.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of extraction methods on the content of biologically active substances and the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of Tagetes patula L. flowers. The study aims to determine the relationship between the extraction method and the content of biologically active substances, as well as the antibacterial properties of the aqueous extracts to create antimicrobial agents based on them. The research objectives included determining the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in aqueous extracts of French marigolds obtained by various extraction methods, and testing the extracts for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from clinical material.

Materials and Methods: The objects of the study were aqueous extracts of Tagetes patula L. flowers with a hydromodule of 1:10, obtained by boiling, infusing with stirring, microwave, and ultrasonic extraction. The total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined using a BMG Labtech plate reader. The antibacterial effect of all obtained plant extracts was assessed using the standard disk diffusion method.

Results: The extraction method significantly influences the content of biologically active substances and the antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of French marigolds. The highest phenolic compound content was observed in extracts obtained by microwave extraction (0.34 mg/cm³), while the maximum flavonoid concentration was achieved by boiling for 300 seconds (0.98 mg/cm³). The aqueous extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria S. aureus and E. coli, with an increasing trend in the inhibition zone diameter proportional to the extraction duration.

Conclusion: The study examined the impact of various extraction methods on the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in aqueous extracts of French marigold flowers. The antibacterial activity of the extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was confirmed. The obtained data indicate the potential for further research into the composition and properties of aqueous extracts of French marigolds for the development of antimicrobial agents for use in medicine, veterinary science, and agriculture.

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