Preliminary antimicrobial screening of four South African Asteraceae species.

Organic and aqueous solvent extracts of Arctotis auriculata Jacq., Eriocephalus africanus L., Felicia erigeroides DC., and Helichrysum crispum (L.) D. Don, were investigated for selective antimicrobial activities. Organic extracts of A. auriculata and H. crispum inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The same extracts, together with organic extracts of F. erigeroides, were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antifungal activities against Candida albicans were exhibited by organic extracts of E. africanus, F. erigeroides, and H. crispum. Organic extracts of A. auriculata and E. africanus, as well as the aqueous extract of the latter plant, were active against Staphyllococcus aureus.