A study on antibacterial activities of RHRet: a formulation of plant-derived compounds

Abstract Background Plant-based compounds have gained significant attention as therapeutic agents for managing infections and facilitating tissue repair. RHRet is a plant-derived product composed of bioactive compounds from the extract of different plant species, like Phyllanthus emblica , Curcuma longa , Terminalia chebula , Swertia chirayita , Azadirachta indica , Pterocarpus santalinus , Adhatoda vasica , and Terminalia bellirica . These medicinal plants are known for their potent antibacterial and immune-modulatory properties. In this study, we evaluated the molecular interactions between major bioactive compounds present in RHRet and bacterial proteins, followed by evaluation of the antibacterial properties of RHRet, its impact on biofilm formation, and oxidative stress responses. Methods Molecular docking was studied to evaluate the interactions of different bioactive compounds potentially present in RHRet with PerR, SodA, and KatG proteins. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion, growth curve analysis, minimum inhibitory concentration analysis, and biofilm formation. Hyaluronidase inhibitory effect was also evaluated to study the potential of RHRet in restricting bacterial growth. The oxidative stress response was analyzed through lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and measurement of total thiol content. Results Docking analysis revealed strong binding interactions between compounds potentially present in RHRet and PerR, SodA, and KatG proteins. RHRet inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth, biofilm formation, and hyaluronidase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, RHRet increases lipid peroxidation levels, thiol content, and reducing superoxide dismutase activity. However, no significant changes have been found in catalase activity. Conclusion RHRet inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth and biofilm formation and inhibits hyaluronidase activity while modulating oxidative stress and interacting with bacterial proteins. Although RHRet showed promising antibacterial potential, further in vivo studies are necessary to thoroughly evaluate its efficacy and safety profile. Graphical abstract