Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance has been an important topic of research for several years given the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Thus, pharmaceutical companies have turned to the use of traditional medicines and their antibacterial mechanisms as an avenue of treatment for bacterial illnesses. This study focuses on two such traditional medicines: zinc and thymol. Zinc is a commonly found element which is known for its antibacterial properties, maintains immune system functions, and preserves oral hygiene by preventing the growth of harmful oral bacteria. Ajwain, otherwise known as carom seeds, is commonly used to aid in digestion and help with conditions such as diarrhea, and is primarily composed of the compound thymol. The bacteria of interest in this combination therapy study was Staphylococcus Aureus, a commonly found gram-positive bacteria, which is implicated in various infections, such as MRSA. This study consisted of an MIC80 test followed by a checkerboard assay with both thymol and zinc. The MIC80 test aimed to understand the concentration of each compound respectively to inhibit 80% of bacterial growth. Similarly, the checkerboard assay worked to obtain data on the FIC which helps to describe the nature of the relationship between the two compounds used. The average MIC80 for thymol and zinc respectively were found to be approximately 0.33 mg/mL, and 1.33 mM. The observed FIC for the experiment with S. aureus was 1.31, which indicated an indifferent relationship between thymol and zinc. Thus, it was concluded that when used with gram-positive S. aureus, there is likely no synergistic relationship between thymol and zinc. However, these observed results are largely preliminary as little is known about the specific antibacterial mechanisms used by both the compounds. Therefore, more studies must be conducted to further explore the relationship between thymol and zinc in relation to S. aureus as well as other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria strains.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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