Clostridium difficile에 대한 항균 한약재 탐색 연구

Objectives This study was conducted to confirm the possibility of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) treatment through natural herbal medicines. Methods After screening a total of 77 herbal medicines through the paper disc agar diffusion method, we selected the herbal medicines that showed a effectiveness compared to the positive control vancomycin. Afterwards, drugs that showed inhibitory effects compared to C. difficile without inhibition of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus plantarum, known as beneficial bacteria, were selected and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was confirmed by applying the Broth microdilution method. Results The Coptidis Rhizoma, well known for its antimicrobial effect, was found to have antimicrobial effects on C. difficile, but also had inhibitory effects on the beneficial bacterium B. bifidum. 30% ethanol extraction Crataegi fructus, Corni fructus and Mume fructus had antimicrobial effects on C. difficile without inhibiting the beneficial bacteria B. bifidum and L. plantarum. The MIC values of 30% ethanol extraction Crataegi fructus, Corni fructus and Mume fructus were found to be 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions Crataegi fructus, Corni fructus and Mume fructus were identified as candidate medicines for C. difficile. Further researchs will need to be done in vivo, and to find an optimal extraction method accompanied by economic evaluation. (J Korean Med Rehabil 2021;31(1):47-57)