In vitro antimicrobial activity, total polyphenols and flavonoids contents of Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck (Cactaceae)

Abstract

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity in vitro qualitative and quantitative methods, and made the determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids in the ethanol extract of Nopalea cochenillifera. The assessment determined the antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Micrococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Prototheca zopffi, Cryptococcus neoformans, Saccharomyces cervisiae e Malassezia furfur. The determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids were significant when compared respectively to the standards of gallic acid and rutin.