Phytochemical, cytotoxic, antileishmania and antimicrobial potentials of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth)

The present study aimed to analyze the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of the plant Chloris gayana Kunth (Poaceae) proceeding from the ethanol extract, taking into consideration its major secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, flavonoids, and tannins. The ethanol extract showed no antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida krusei. However, the ethanol extract was able to potentiate the activity of amikacin against a strain of S. aureus MRSA (methicillin resistant S. aureus), suggesting a possible application of the extract itself or its isolated phytochemicals, as adjuvants of amikacin in the treatment of infections caused by MRSA strains resistant to this antibiotic. Potential antileishmanial activity was observed, but further research on the isolated action of these metabolites is needed.