Antimicrobial activity and insecticidal evaluation of Passiflora edulis Sims. (Passifloraceae)
摘要
The increasing spread of bacterial resistance represents a serious threat to global health. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are clinically relevant bacteria driving the search for new strategies to combat resistance. Plant products have emerged as promising alternatives. This study investigated the presence of phytochemical classes, toxicological activity, negative geotaxis, antibacterial activity, and the modifying effect of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis (EEPe) on antibiotic action. Qualitative analyses confirmed the presence of catechins in low concentrations. In assays with Drosophila melanogaster, EEPe exhibited toxicity only at high concentrations (1000 mg/g) and showed no significant impact on negative geotaxis. Co-administration of EEPe with antibiotics significantly enhanced the efficacy of certain drugs. In P. aeruginosa, the combination with ampicillin reduced the MIC from 1024 µg/mL to 812 µg/mL. For E. coli, EEPe combined with gentamicin reduced the MIC from 256 µg/mL to 128 µg/mL, and with norfloxacin, from 512 µg/mL to 256 µg/mL. These findings suggest that EEPe may be a promising adjunct in combined antibacterial therapies, warranting further studies to elucidate its interactions and mechanisms of action.