Objective To
determine the antimicrobial activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
and to investigate the synergistic effects of this extract combined with
ceforuxime against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Methods The inhibitory and bactericidal
activities of rosemary ethanol extract, alone and in combination with
cefuroxime, were studied.
Results The minimum inhibitory
concentrations (MICs) of the ethanol extract of rosemary were in the range of
0.39–3.13 mg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were usually
equal to or double that MICs. The antimicrobial activity of combinations of the
ethanol extract of rosemary and cefuroxime indicated their synergistic effects
against all MRSAs.
Conclusions The present work clearly
demonstrates that rosemary has a key role in the elevation of susceptibility to
β-lactams.