Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part H (2024)

Author(s): Moni Theresa TS, Bharavi K, Srividya G and Ashwani Kumar K

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, biofilm inhibition potential, and antibacterial efficacy of the methanol extract of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots (FBARE), along with its synergistic antibacterial effects when combined with the synthetic antibiotics enrofloxacin and amoxicillin. The study targeted clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, known pathogens responsible for bovine mastitis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, saponins, triterpenes, phenols, flavonoids, proteins, and amino acids in the extract. The antioxidant activity of FBARE was found to be equivalent to 54.6±0.142 µg/mL of ascorbic acid per 0.1 mg/mL of extract. The antibacterial activity, demonstrated by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL, was effective against clinical isolates of both E. coli and S. aureus. FBARE exhibited an additive effect when combined with enrofloxacin and amoxicillin, enhancing their antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, FBARE significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with biofilm inhibition rates of 70.7±0.76% for E. coli and 70.14±0.57% for S. aureus. Overall, the additive antibacterial and significant increase in the percentage of anti-biofilm properties of FBARE may offer a promising strategy for combating clinical strains of mastitis-causing bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2024.v9.i5h.1760