Abstract

The emergence of antibacterial resistant infections poses a significant threat to global health. As conventional antibiotics become increasingly ineffective, there is an urgent need to explore alternative therapies. Traditional medicinal plants, such as Mimosa pudica, have gained attention for their potential antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of M. pudica extracts against a panel of pathogenic bacteria, specifically Salmonella Typhi, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and tannins. Notably, the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting all tested pathogens. In contrast, aqueous extracts demonstrated antibacterial effects as well, but their activity was significantly lower. These findings support the traditional use of M. pudica in treating infections and highlight its potential as a source of novel antibacterial agents in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. However, further research is needed to demonstrate the specific mechanisms of action, optimize extraction methods, and assess the safety and efficacy of M. pudica extracts in clinical settings.

Key words: Antibiotic resistance, inhibitory activity, medicinal plants and phytotherapy.