Herbal Extract
as an Adjunctive Therapy to Reverse Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
through Inhibition of Biofilm and Increased Cell Permeability
Le Minh Bui, Thach Phan Van, Thi-Phuong Nguyen and Anh Duy Do
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(8); 242-250;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/208rjbt2420250; (2025)
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus presents a substantial risk to public health since it can
acquire antibiotic resistance, facilitated by biofilm formation and altered cell
membrane permeability. In our study, we observed substantial biofilm production
in S. aureus strains, exhibiting reduced sensitivity to kanamycin (Km), especially
in Km-adapted strains. Herbal therapy offers a promising solution to address antibiotic
resistance. Extracts from Andrographis paniculata (AP), Eucalyptus globulus (EG)
and Zingiber zerumbet (ZZ) effectively inhibited biofilm formation and reduced cell
surface hydrophobicity in both wild-type and Km-adapted strains.
Additionally, extracts from Plectranthus amboinicus (PA), Clerodendrum inerme (CI),
Combretum quadrangulare (CQ), EG, AP and ZZ increased S. aureus cell permeability,
enhancing antibiotic sensitivity. These findings suggest herbal extracts could serve
as adjunctive treatments for S. aureus infections by targeting biofilm formation
and cell membrane properties, potentially reversing antibiotic resistance and reducing
required antibiotic dosages for effective disease management.
