Novel antibiofilm combination using natural products against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Abstract: Background: Bacteria have become more resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Among the many reasons, biofilm-mediated protection plays an indispensable role. To overcome microbial resistance, alternative antibiofilm therapies may be developed to address this challenge and they should be cost-effective and readily available. Objectives: To evaluate the antibiofilm activities of natural compounds Allium Cepa (Onion), Menthe spicata (mint) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes 150 patients from various clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. Samples of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected and the study was carried out to determine the antibiofilm-forming activity of natural product extracts of Allium cepa (Onion) G.H.NO 100929, Mentha spicata (mint) G.H.NO100933 and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) G.H.NO100928, evaluated separately and in different combinations. 96 well plate method was used to evaluate biofilm forming activity of microorganisms and antibiofilm forming activity of Allium Cepa (Onion) Menthe Spicata( mint) Zingiber Officinale (Ginger Peels) Results: Natural compounds Allium Cepa (Onion) Menthe Spicata( mint) Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) has shown antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms separately but when used in combination only synergistic activity shows ginger and mint combination with FIC 0.45 against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Whereas both organisms have shown resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: This study concludes that Allium Cepa (Onion) Menthe Spicata (mint) Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) having antibiofilm activity when used separately but in combination Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) And Menthe Spicata (mint) against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa only shows synergistic activity where as other combination shows indifferent activity but shows lower concentration of extract as compare to when used separately but not match the criteria of synergism but importantly none of combination shows antagonist activity. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate these natural agents, after drug authority approval, with already available antimicrobial agents.