Gc-Ms-based phytochemical profiling and antibacterial efficacy of terminalia chebula extract against gastrointestinal pathogens resistant to β-lactam antibiotics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Go.C., Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Department of Biology, Go.C., Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Department of Microbiology, Az.C., Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr, Iran.

10.22038/psj.2025.89635.1477

Abstract

Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly β-lactam-resistant strains, has become a serious global health concern, limiting the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial therapies. Gastrointestinal pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Escherichia coli are among the common organisms associated with resistant infections. In response to this challenge, medicinal plants like Terminalia chebula, known for their broad-spectrum bioactivity in traditional medicine, are being explored as promising natural sources of antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic and propanolic extracts of Terminalia chebula against gastrointestinal bacteria resistant to selected β-lactam antibiotics.
 
Materials and Methods:
Ethanolic and propanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify major bioactive constituents. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion assays, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined.
Results:
GC-MS analysis revealed that 1,2,3-benzenetriol (pyrogallol) was the most abundant and the most important antimicrobial compound in the ethanolic extract. In the propanolic extract, propanoic acid was identified as the most abundant constituent; however, D-limonene was determined to be the most potent antimicrobial compound. Both extracts exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against all tested strains, with B. cereus being the most sensitive, followed by S. typhimurium and E. coli.
Conclusion:
The antibacterial effects observed can be attributed to key phytochemicals such as pyrogallol and propanoic acid, which may act by disrupting bacterial cell walls and interfering with metabolic functions. These findings highlight the potential of Terminalia chebula  as a natural therapeutic agent against drug-resistant infections. Further in vivo studies and clinical evaluations are warranted to explore its clinical applicability.

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Main Subjects

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Journal of Patient Safety & Quality Improvement
Volume 13, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 169-178

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