Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Impact of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed Extracts against some Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32007/jfacmedbaghdad3139Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumannii; , Antibacterial activity; , Anti-biofilm impact; , Multidrug-resistant bacteria; , Staphylococcus aureus; , Trigonella foenum-graecum LAbstract
Background: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has demonstrated a need to develop and use alternative antimicrobial agents. There has been a growing interest in medicinal plants and herbs and their extracts.
Objective: To identify the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed against multidrug-resistant clinical bacterial isolates (Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii).
Methods: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared from the seeds of the Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plant. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometer was used to identify the active compounds in the extracts. They were tested against multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates that produce biofilms (Gram-positive and Gram-negative), namely Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, which were isolated from Iraqi patients in Baghdad Medical City Hospitals (including Burns Specialized Hospital, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, and Al-Shahid Ghazi Al-Hariri Hospital for Surgical Specialties), Al Kadimyia Teaching Hospital, and Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital, from October 2023 to March 2024.
Result: The current study has proved that the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Fenugreek seeds were effective as antibacterial and anti-biofilm against the studied bacterial isolates, in all the tested concentrations, with significant differences. The study also showed that the aqueous extract of Fenugreek was more effective as an anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm than the alcoholic extract. The aqueous extract demonstrated high inhibitory activity, ranging from 52.9% to 97.5%, while the inhibition of the alcoholic extract varied from 56.0% to 99.5%.
Conclusion: The present study supports the use of fenugreek seed extract to treat pathogenic bacteria that have developed a resistance to antibiotics.
Received: March, 2025
Revised: June, 2025
Accepted: June, 2025
Published Online: June, 2025
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