Restoration of Antibiotic Effectiveness with P. hartigii Extract Against Multidrug-Resistant E. coli

Antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to global health, largely driven by bacterial efflux pumps that expel antibiotics and reduce their efficacy. This study investigated the potential of Phellinus hartigii ethyl acetate extract (Ph-Ace) to inhibit efflux pumps and restore antibiotic activity against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. In vitro assays demonstrated that Ph-Ace effectively inhibited efflux pumps, enhancing the efficacy of resistant antibiotics. GC/MS analysis identified key components such as nonadecane and octacosane. These findings suggest Ph-Ace as a promising natural efflux pump inhibitor. Further molecular and clinical studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential.