Systematic review of antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant extracts in Ethiopia for the last 10 years (2013–2024)

Abstract Microbial illnesses especially those caused by drug-resistant microorganisms remain a significant global health challenge. Fortunately, the traditional medicine administered from plant origin is offering potential solutions for this threat. Ethiopia is endowed with high plant biodiversity and indigenous knowledge how to use it for traditional medicine. Traditional medicine practiced in Ethiopia is a promising scenario in search of solution for the global challenge of drug resistance pathogens. This review aims to document, compile, and synthesize data on the antimicrobial activities and bioactive chemicals of Ethiopian medicinal plants from published research article. The medicinal plant species tested for their antimicrobial activity were compiled in Ethiopia. The antimicrobial activity level of different medicinal plants as measured in minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value was synthesized. The plant parts used for antimicrobial test and bioactitive chemical analysis were compiled. Open access research articles on antimicrobial activities of Ethiopian medicinal plants published between 2013 and 2024 in English language were systematically searched from Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed datasets. Data on plant species, plant parts used, isolated compounds, and antimicrobial activity were collected and transferred to standard word document for further analysis. Articles were selected based on the existence of information regarding antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants that are used traditionally in Ethiopia. A total of 28 studies were included in the review after conducting the necessary screening based on the prestated criteria. A total of 64 medicinal plants species distributed in 31 families and 56 genera were found investigated for their antimicrobial activity. Ethnobotanical evidences proved that most of these plant species do have medicinal value. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, glycosides, saponins, and triterpenoids were the most common classes of chemical compounds that are responsible for the antimicrobial action of the plant extracts. Thalictrum rhynchocarpum Quart.-Dill. & A.Rich., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, and Justicia schimperiana (Hochst. ex Nees) T. Anders. were the three most active plants with MIC values of 0.00048, 0.00312, 0.0038 mg/ml, respectively. Leaves and barks were the most evaluated plant parts, and methanol, ethanol, and chloroform were the most common solvents. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most commonly used microorganisms, and gentamycin and ciprofloxacin were the most commonly used antibiotics. Chemical examination of plant extracts revealed the existence of several important chemical components in some of the therapeutic plant species. Medicinal plant species traditionally utilized are evidenced to have antimicrobial activity.