Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common nosocomial pathogen that causes a wide range of infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Carbapenems are considered the last resort antibiotics for the treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, including P. aeruginosa. Significant infections with P. aeruginosa have been managed. Due to side effects, unaffordability, patient ideologies coupled with traditional beliefs, most people in Uganda depend on medicinal plants for health care needs including S. aromaticum. S. aromaticum was collected, authenticated, pulverized and extracted by maceration. 80% ethanol was used as a solvent. The sensitivity test, MIC (7.81 mg/ml and 15.6 mg/ml for ethanolic and aqueous extracts of S. aromaticum respectively) and MBC (125 mg/ml for both extracts against CRPA) were done. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds. The MIC was done using the agar well diffusion according to CLSI guidelines 2022. This study therefore evaluated the efficacy and phytochemical analysis of S. aromaticum that are helpful in the authentication and can be used as a reference standard in the preparation of a monograph. The study has also established the MIC and MBC of S. aromaticum buds in-vitro and has validated the folkloric claims of the plant in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Carbapenems, Antibiotics, Phytochemical analysis, S. aromaticum