Screening for antibacterial activity of the extracts obtained from Ficus carica & Malva sylverstris on highly drug resistant bacteria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a pressing global health concern due to its impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenses. As bacteria evolve resistance mechanisms against conventional antibiotics, there is an urgent need to explore alternative strategies to combat AMR. This study investigates the potential of plant medicine to address AMR, focusing on the antibacterial activity of Ficus carica and Malva sylvestris ethanolic extracts against highly drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in Lebanon. Research for new antibacterial compounds derived from plant sources is vital to counteract the increasing ineffectiveness of synthetic drugs due to resistance. The investigation involved examining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the leaf extracts. The MICs ranged between 40 and 160 mg/mL, and the majority of these microorganisms were inhibited by 160 and 40 mg/mL of the ethanolic crude extracts. Whereas, the MBC was most evident at 160 mg/mL and less at 80 mg/mL The results demonstrated significant bactericidal and inhibitory activities of both plant extracts, highlighting their potential as effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Understanding the antibacterial properties of Ficus carica and Malva sylvestris could pave the way for new and effective antimicrobial therapies, making these plants a promising source of novel bioactive compounds in the fight against antibiotic resistance.