Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. (BASIL) and its toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Research dedicated to investigating the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants encompasses a variety of species, with the use of plant extracts emerging as a highly relevant alternative for disease prevention. In this context, Ocimum gratissimum L., commonly known as basil, has been widely studied for its remarkable antibacterial properties. In this specific study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. (EEOg) and its interaction with the antibiotics ampicillin, amikacin, norfloxacin, and penicillin. Our research included the broth microdilution technique for determining the minimum inhibitory concentration, analysis of combined activity with antibiotics, and assessment of EEOg supplementation in food to evaluate the impact on mortality and geotaxis in the Drosophila melanogaster model after 48 hours of exposure. The results showed that Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited notable sensitivity to the extract when combined with the antibiotic amikacin, with low toxicity observed at a concentration of 25 mg/mL. These findings indicate the potential use of this extract in drug development for treating infections caused by these bacteria. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and ensure the safety of this extract in therapeutic applications.