Modified green tea Polyphenols P-EGCG and P-EGCG containing formulation can inhibit Bacillus vegetative cells and enhance the antibiotic activity on Bacillus vegetative cells

Green tea is known to have several health benefits. This is due to the polyphenols or catechins in its composition that holds various antimicrobial benefits, such as damage to the bacteria’s membrane and inhibit enzyme activity. In this study, Palmitoyl-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (P-EGCG), a modified lipophilic green tea, was used to evaluate antimicrobial effects on the vegetative cells of Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus. The method used in this study was the time course suspension test determined by the colony forming unit (CFU). The possible synergistic effect of P-EGCG on seven different antibiotics was also studied. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test was used to measure the zone of inhibition. The results indicated that P-EGCG and P-EGCG-containing formulations can effectively inhibit the growth of the vegetative cells with the range of percentage inhibition from 90% to 100%. From the disk diffusion test, the results suggested that P-EGCG can enhance antibiotic activity in five out of seven antibiotics. Based on the results, we can conclude that P-EGCG and P-EGCG containing formulation can be effective antimicrobial effects against vegetative cells in three bacillus species. This can be used as a potential anti-bacterial agent and provide health benefits.