BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT UROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS

Pathogenic microbes, including Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli, commonly infect the urogenital tract, often leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in human.Due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics and their side effects have prompted researchers to seek natural alternatives.Medicinal herbs are the promising alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic drugs.Medicinal herbs, including Allium sativum (garlic), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and Nigella sativa (kalonji), are increasingly recognized in scientific research for their potent antimicrobial properties and therapeutic potential.This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of garlic, ginger, and kalonji extracts against UTI-causing pathogens.Fresh samples of these herbs were obtained from local markets in Lahore, and their extracts were prepared using ethanol, nhexane, and aqueous methods.Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, measuring inhibition of zones for bacterial biofilm formation, adherence, and motility.Results indicated that ethanol extracts of garlic and ginger exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 10-11 mm against all tested pathogens.n-Hexane extracts showed moderate activity, while aqueous extracts were largely ineffective.Kalonji extracts demonstrated lower antimicrobial efficacy compared to garlic and ginger.The findings suggest that ethanol and n-hexane extracts of garlic and ginger are promising natural alternatives for treating UTIs caused by drug-resistant bacteria.