Evaluation of Elytraria acaulis Leaf Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Uropathogens

Abstract

Background and Aims: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a global health challenge, with multidrug resistant uropathogens posing a significant threat to effective treatment. This study investigates the potential of Elytraria acaulis leaf extracts as a novel antimicrobial agent against multidrug resistant uropathogens. Methodology: Extracts of methanol, ethanol, and hexane were subjected to in-vitro antibacterial assays against a panel of clinically isolated multidrug resistant uropathogens viz., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella variicola, Providencia stuartii, Enterobacter bugandensis and Enterococcus faecalis using Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) with the help of agar well diffusion method. Results: Ethanol extracts exhibited ZOI ranging from 7.5±0.5 mm (Low) to 12.4±0.3 mm (High). Methanol extracts displayed ZOI spanning from 8±0.1 mm (Low) to 14±0.4 mm (High). Hexane extracts showed ZOI ranging from 7.2±0.4 mm (Low) to 11.3±0.2 mm (High). Methanol extracts consistently demonstrated higher inhibitory effects compared to ethanol and hexane extracts. Moreover, the combination of Elytraria acaulis extracts with various antibiotics commonly used to treat UTIs showed synergistic interactions, potentially offering a strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant uropathogens more effectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the significant in vitro antibacterial potential of Elytraria acaulis extracts against multidrug resistant uropathogens, suggesting their utility as a promising source of alternative therapeutic agents for the management of UTIs in the era of increasing antibiotic resistance.