Exploring the role of different plant extracts and bioactive phytochemicals in combating foodborne pathogens

Abstract

This study investigated the comparative biological activities of four medicinal plants leaf Red Mulberry (Morus rubra),Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, Guava (Psidium guajava L.),and Moringa (Moringa oleifera), focusing on Phyllanthus emblica (Gooseberry) and Psidium guajava (Guava) due to their higher extract yields and promising bioactivities. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti- inflammatory, biofilm inhibition, and antioxidant properties. Guava yielded the highest extract residues (1.21 g aqueous; 1.02 g ethanolic). Antibacterial assays revealed strong inhibitory effects of Gooseberry and Guava against E. coli and C. jejuni, with ethanolic extracts generally outperforming aqueous ones. Phytochemical screening showed solvent- dependent variations in bioactive compounds. Both extracts exhibited dose-dependent anti- inflammatory and biofilm inhibition activities, with Gooseberry showing higher anti- inflammatory potential and Guava stronger anti-biofilm effects. Antioxidant assays confirmed significant free radical scavenging activity, with Guava ethanolic extract achieving the highest (80.75%). These findings scientifically validate the traditional uses of Gooseberry and Guava, highlighting their potential for developing natural antimicrobial and antioxidant therapeutics.