In vitro phototoxic activity of Eugenia jambolana L. and Hyptis martiusii Benth

Ethanol extracts from Hyptis martiusii and Eugenia jambolana were assayed for light-mediated activity against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Duplicate assays were conducted with and without exposure to UV-A radiation to test for light-activated or light-enhanced activity. Both extracts showed activity against at least two bacterial strains, but H. martiusii was the most active extract, being active against all strains of S. aureus and E. coli. The results represent a first report of the light-mediated antimicrobial activities of H. martiusii and E. jambolana and suggest that phytochemical investigations may be warranted.