Antibacterial Activity of Crude Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Extracts against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Cronobacter sakazakii, and Salmonella Enteritidis in Various Dairy Foods: Preliminary Study

Abstract

In this study, the antibacterial activity of Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) ethanol extract against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Cronobacter sakazakii, and Salmonella Enteritidis was investigated using the spot-on-lawn assay. The results showed that this extract exhibited antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus (complete inhibition) and Staphylococcus aureus (partial inhibition), but did not inhibit the growth of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Enteritidis. This study shows that the Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) ethanol extract was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram- negative bacteria. Hence, it is suggested that Aronia melanocarpa could be a useful food supplement, and could be utilized as a naturally derived additive for maintaining the safety of various dairy products. Furthermore, future research should be conducted to examine the possibility of using such products as functional ingredients for improving the anti- oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of food products. Keywords