In-vitro analysis of the antibacterial activity of curcumin against Escherichia coli

Colibacillosis of birds due to Escherichia coli infection is an important poultry disease and production risk factor, particularly in Third World countries. Rising antibiotic resistance necessitates a change of approach. Curcumin, a bioactive molecule isolated from Curcuma longa, has been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity. The present communication evaluated the in-vitro antibacterial action of curcumin against a disease-causing poultry isolate of E. coli (O78, MTCC No. 723). In disc diffusion and broth dilution tests, curcumin inhibited in dose-dependent pattern with zones of 8.33±0.58 mm to 15.33±1.00 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 mg/mL. The findings validate the moderate antibacterial efficacy of curcumin and suggest its utilization as a natural remedy in poultry disease management. in vivo experiments are recommended to establish its therapeutic potency.