Deciphering the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and membrane stabilizing synergism of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. leaves and stems substantiation through in vitro and in silico studies

Considering the traditional application of Mikania scandens (L.) Willd. against wounds and itching. Leaves (MSL) and stems (MSS) were sequentially extracted using solvents petroleum-ether, carbon-tetrachloride, chloroform, ethyl-acetate and ethanol. Disk-diffusion assay revealed the ethyl acetate MSL and MSS extracts were the prominent against ten bacteria, five carbapenem-resistant bacteria and one fungal strains. Subsequent quantitative antimicrobial analysis specified MSL extractives more potent over MSS with lower 1500 and 3500µg/ml MIC and MBC value in both gram-negative and positive bacteria. These sturdiest ethyl-acetate MSL extractives antimicrobial efficiency also fostered fungicidal activity having lower 100µg/ml MFC. Whereat, almost homologous 160–180 min timing noted liken to standard ciprofloxacin susceptibility in both strains, 75% biofilm inhibition at 2×MIC concentration along with 92±0.2% membrane stabilizing activities over synthetic counterparts prospected in preceding standard extractives. Computational molecular docking of MSL compounds supported this findings therefore forego this valuable synergistic insight as antimicrobial agents to efficiently eradicate human infections.