Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Plantago ovata: Inhibition of Bacterial Growth and Biofilm Formation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Pharmacy College, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Hillah, 51001

2 Department of Basic and Medical Science, College of Nursing, Babylon University, Pharmacy College, ‎Al-Mustaqbal University, Iraq

3 College of pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, 51001, Iraq

4 College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Hillah, 51001, Iraq

5 Department of Community Health Techniques, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University Iraq

6 Department of program, College of information technology, university of Babylon

Abstract

Plants serve as rich reservoirs of essential secondary metabolites and are a vital source of pharmacological compounds, including active ingredients found in various plant parts. The antibacterial properties of plant extracts cannot be attributed to a single mechanism; rather, they depend on the diverse chemical components present in each extract. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects of Psyllium seed extract (Plantago ovata) on human pathogenic bacteria and to elucidate the mechanisms by which this extract inhibits bacterial biofilm formation and adhesion. The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract was assessed using agar-well diffusion and agar-disc diffusion assays. The results were compared with standard antibiotics. Additionally, tests for biofilm formation and adherence were conducted. All isolated Gram-negative (G−ve) and Gram-positive (G+ve) bacteria were sensitive to the Psyllium seed extract, with inhibition zones ranging from 20 to 25 mm. Most bacterial isolates demonstrated resistance to conventional antibiotics, with some showing sensitivity to ofloxacin. The majority of isolated Gram-negative bacteria exhibited moderate adherence and biofilm formation when exposed to the extracts, while certain strains showed strong adherence and biofilm activity. The findings indicate that Psyllium seed extracts possess significant antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of clinically relevant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, surpassing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Furthermore, these extracts effectively inhibit bacterial adherence and biofilm formation.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 14, Issue 5
September and October 2025
Pages 507-513

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