Env Exp Biol (2013) 11: 195–199

Antimicrobial activity of extracts from fruits of Aronia melanocarpa and Sorbus aucuparia

Abstract

Antimicrobial activity of extracts from fruits of wild rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and cultivated black chokeberries [Aronia melanocarpa(Michx.) Elliott] harvested in Latvia was studied. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were obtained from fresh, dried and frozen fruits. Extracts were also subjected to thermal processing (autoclaving or freezing). Results showed that both fruit extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus andStaphylococcus aureus, but they did not have antifungal influence. The extracts inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa but did not have influence onEscherichia coli . Processing changed the antibacterial activity, i.e., freezing reduced it. An increase of pH after drying or freezing of fruits was noted. This study indicated that black chokeberry and rowanberry grown in Latvia might be applicable in natural medicine and food as a source of antibacterial products.