Comparison study of antibacterial properties of curcumin from Curcuma longa and enrofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila

Antibacterial properties of curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and enrofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila were assayed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of curcumin and enrofloxacin against A. hydrophila were found to be 100ug/ml and 9.375ug/ml, respectively. To realize the mechanisms of action of curcumin against A. hydrophila, we researched the antibacterial activity and bacterial membrane permeability of A. hydrophila cells treated with curcumin or enrofloxacin. All results elucidated that curcumin increased membrane permeabilization and caused leakage of intracellular contents, while its role was not as good as enrofloxacin. Moreover, a synergistic effect was shown between curcumin and enrofloxacin. The present study suggests that curcumin extracted from turmeric has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial for the control of A. hydrophila.