Development and characterization of polyherbal formulation from Allium sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Cinnamomum verum, Elettaria cardamomum and Zingiber officinale with therapeutic potential against sinusitis-associated pathogens

Background: One of the most common diseases in the world is sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes lining the paranasal sinuses. The bacteria involved are highly resistant to antibiotics, prompting scientists to explore green bioactives as potential biofilm inhibitors. Objectives: The current study investigated the antioxidant potential, phytochemical screening, antibacterial and biofilm inhibition potential of polyherbal extracts prepared using distilled water, ethanol, hydroethanol and n-hexane solvents. However, no prior research has specifically addressed their use in treating sinusitis. Methods: Samples were prepared by maceration method followed by antioxidant and phytochemical analysis. Chemical fingerprinting was conducted using FTIR, GC-MS and LC-MS analysis. Antibacterial activity, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm inhibition was checked. Results: Among the extracts, polyherbal ethanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by n-hexane, distilled water and hydroethanol. The distilled water extract showed the highest flavonoid and phenolic content, followed by hydroethanol. Different functional groups were identified in all extracts. Bioactive compounds such as quercitrin and kaempferol derivatives were identified. Antibacterial profile showed that hydroethanol extract was the most effective against sinusitis isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) with the lowest MIC against Proteus mirabilis. Biofilm inhibition assay revealed the highest inhibition by hydroethanol extract against E. faecalis followed by ethanol extract against E. coli. Conclusion: The findings suggest that polyherbal extracts, particularly in hydroethanol and ethanol, possess significant antioxidant, antibacterial and biofilm inhibiting properties and could serve as promising candidates for the effective management of sinusitis.