Anti-Biofilm Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is still a serious problem for global health; however, new antibiotic research is lagging behind AMR. There are dangers associated with bacterial biofilms in hospitals, restaurants, and water treatment plants. Several medicinal herbs are utilized ethnomedically in India to cure infectious diseases. However, apart from the conventional inhibitory effects on cell development, little is known about the possible anti-biofilm action of medicinal herbs, which may help in the prevention of bacterial infection. Here, we investigated the in vitro anti-biofilm activity of plant extracts of Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed using the two-fold serial dilution technique. The establishment and growth of biofilms were evaluated using crystal violet (CV) tests. Methanol extracts showed antibacterial action against all bacterial strains, with S. aureus showing the most activity. N. sativa seed extract had good activity against bacterial biofilms. Further research into the isolation of antimicrobial compounds and the mechanism of action of N. sativa seed methanol extract may provide promising leads.