<i>In vitro</i> antibacterial efficacy of <i>Acacia farnesiana</i> seed extracts specifically directed against <i>B. cepacia</i> , <i>B. multivorans, B. cenocepacia</i> of <i>Burkholderia cepacia complex</i>

Objectives The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the constraints of existing pharmaceuticals have intensified the quest for alternative therapeutic strategies. Phytochemically-rich plant and seed extracts present a promising avenue for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Material and Methods Acacia farnesiana was selected for this study due to its traditional medicinal applications in the treatment of many diseases. The seed extract of Acacia farnesiana was investigated to identify its antimicrobial properties. The dried seeds of Acacia farnesiana were sequentially extracted using methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether, and distilled water. Results The highest extraction yield, 18.5%, has been found with the methanol extract. Culture plates were inoculated for sensitivity testing, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) has been established. Three strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, and Burkholderia multivorans, have been utilized to evaluate the extracts’ antimicrobial activity. The Acacia farnesiana seed extracts included MICs that range from 0.50- 0.80 mg/mL. The zones of inhibition (ZOI) showed that the methanolic extracts exhibited antimicrobial evaluation results, thereby inhibiting the growth of all three bacterial strains. Specifically, Burkholderia cepacia exhibited a ZOI of 9.0±0.82 mm at 0.60 mg/mL, Burkholderia cenocepacia showed a ZOI of 15.4±0.94 mm at 0.80 mg/mL, and Burkholderia multivorans presented a ZOI of 8.7±0.47 mm at 0.50 mg/mL. Conclusion The outcomes give promising baseline data for the potential application of these crude extracts in drug development programs within the pharmaceutical industry. The extracts exhibit substantial potential as alternative or adjunctive therapies for pulmonary infections. Their efficacy, attributable to a diverse array of phytochemicals, addresses a critical need in the context of escalating antibiotic resistance. However, challenges such as standardization, safety, and clinical validation persist. Further research, including rigorously controlled clinical trials, is essential to establish these extracts as viable therapeutic options.