Potential of Ruta graveolens extract in healing burn infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Burns are a significant public health problem. Their proper treatment can prevent the excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics, which will contribute to further increasing antibiotic resistance in some pathogens. Many studies have targeted medicinal plants as alternative natural solutions due to their effective antimicrobial results. This study investigates the antimicrobial effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts from Ruta graveolens on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patients at Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran. Using 1 % DMSO for serial dilutions, we assessed antibacterial efficacy through MIC, disc diffusion, and well diffusion tests. The methanolic extract demonstrated a 20 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. However, the ethanolic extract confirmed a 13.33 mm inhibition zone for P. aeruginosa. MIC values further indicated that the ethanolic extract was most effective for P. aeruginosa (3.125 mg/ml) and the methanolic extract for S. aureus (1.562 mg/ml). Additionally, PCR proved the presence of the exotoxin A gene in P. aeruginosa and the coagulase gene in S. aureus, verifying pathogenicity. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins in both extracts. Statistical analysis via ANOVA test confirmed the significant effects of R. graveolens extracts. These findings suggest R. graveolens extracts need further investigation and safety testing to ensure the practicality and effectiveness of these results.