Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major causes of mastitis in dairy animals and its resistance against multiple antimicrobials always remains crucial concern. Honey and Nigella sativa seeds had been widely used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate antibacterial activity of three honeys samples from different regions of Algeria against Staphylococcus aureus and to determine synergistic activity between Nigella sativa and honey. The MIC for the three varieties of honey without Nigella sativa against S. aureus ranged between 8% and 20% (vol/vol). The diameter of inhibition zone of honey without Nigella sativa against S. aureus ranged between 5–8 mm. Addition of Nigella sativa (8%) resulted in synergistic bactericidal activity. An MIC drop was noticed with each variety and it ranged between 12. 5% and 20%. The antibacterial potentiality of honeys alone or in combination with Nigella sativa was found of potential medical interest.