Antiparasitic and antimicrobial activity of <i>Ipomoea palmata</i> against <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>: correlation with major phenolics identified by HPLC

<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, a protozoan parasite found in water sources, causes toxoplasmosis, with no current protocols for inactivating its oocysts in water. <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, a significant bacterial pathogen, is known for causing various illnesses, including skin infections and biofilm-related diseases. This study investigated the antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of <i>Ipomoea palmata</i> leaf extract, rich in phenolics, against <i>T. gondii</i> tachyzoites and <i>S. aureus. I. palmata</i> extract significantly reduced tachyzoites count in peritoneal fluids and liver smears of infected mice with alleviation of toxoplasmosis-induced hepatitis. SEM showed surface irregularities in tachyzoites from treated groups. The extract demonstrated antibacterial action against <i>S. aureus</i> with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 128 to 512 <i>µ</i>g/mL, reduced biofilm formation from 69.23% to 15.38% of tested isolates, and downregulated biofilm genes (<i>cna</i>, <i>fnbA</i>, and <i>ica</i>) in 53.85% of isolates. Treatment with <i>I. palmata</i> extract improved liver architecture, reduced inflammation, and eliminated blood vessel congestion. The main phenolic acids identified by HPLC/UV analysis were chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and methyl gallate, while the predominant flavonoids were apigenin, quercetin, and naringenin. These findings highlight the potential of <i>I. palmata</i> extract as a natural antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent, warranting further research to isolate and evaluate its active compounds.