Home›Drug Pipeline› Euphorbia hirta extracts demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity and potential resistance-modifying effects against ESKAPE pathogens
Euphorbia hirta extracts demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity and potential resistance-modifying effects against ESKAPE pathogensPlant extract shows potential against drug-resistant bacteria
Frontiers in MedicinePublished August 23, 2026DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development
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Key Takeaway
Note that Euphorbia hirta extracts show promising in vitro activity against ESKAPE pathogens but require more study.
This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 27 peer-reviewed articles regarding the in vitro antimicrobial potential of various Euphorbia hirta extracts against ESKAPE pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis). The review evaluates activity measured by MIC, MBC, and diffusion assays across different solvent extractions including petroleum ether, ethanol, chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate.
Key findings indicate that petroleum ether extracts demonstrated the lowest MIC values among tested solvents, specifically 0.4 mg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and 0.125 mg/mL for S. aureus. Ethanol extracts showed potent activity with MICs of 14.53 mg/mL for S. aureus, 19.73 mg/mL for K. pneumoniae, and 20.06 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa. Chloroform extracts showed moderate activity (1.45 mg/mL) against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, while methanol extracts were less potent than non-polar solvents.
Additionally, the review observed a reduction in MICs for cefepime and ciprofloxacin, suggesting a potential resistance-modifying effect. The authors note that these findings are preliminary and unsubstantiated for clinical translation. Further bioassay-guided isolation, mechanistic studies, and standardized formulations are required to determine clinical relevance.
How this fits prior evidence
This systematic review addresses the challenge of antimicrobial resistance by evaluating a botanical extract as a potential resistance-modifying agent against ESKAPE pathogens. While it does not directly relate to the prevalence of Salmonella in Ethiopia (6.7%) or the presence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms in dental unit waterlines, it explores a novel mechanism for addressing the broader issue of antimicrobial resistance mentioned in other contexts.
When common bacteria become resistant to our strongest medicines, they become much harder to treat. This is a growing problem with a group of dangerous germs known as ESKAPE pathogens. These include bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus that can cause serious infections.
A review of laboratory studies found that extracts from the plant Euphorbia hirta showed activity against these tough germs. Specifically, certain types of extract were more effective at stopping growth than others. Some extracts also appeared to lower the amount of medicine needed to stop the bacteria, which suggests the plant might help make existing drugs work better.
It is important to remember that these results come from lab tests on bacteria in a controlled environment, not from human patients. The findings are still early and have not been proven for use in people. More research is needed to see if these extracts can safely and effectively be turned into treatments.
What this means for you:
Euphorbia hirta extracts show promise in lab tests against drug-resistant bacteria but need more study.
Common questions
What kind of bacteria was tested?
The study looked at a group called ESKAPE pathogens. These include common but dangerous germs like E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis.
How did the plant extract affect antibiotic use?
The study observed a reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for two common drugs: cefepime and ciprofloxacin. This suggests the plant might have a resistance-modifying effect, potentially helping these medicines work better against bacteria.
Can I use this plant to treat an infection?
No, you cannot use it for treatment yet. These findings are preliminary and were only observed in laboratory settings (in vitro). They have not been tested in humans or proven as a clinical treatment.
BackgroundThe growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria, particularly among the ESKAPE pathogens, has prompted the need to explore additional treatment options. Euphorbia hirta L. (E. hirta) is a botanical drug plant with antimicrobial activities attributed to its biologically active metabolites, namely flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids.MethodsThis systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to assess the antimicrobial effects of E. hirta against critical bacterial pathogens. A systematic search and collection of data from 27 peer‐ reviewed articles on the antimicrobial potential of E. hirta against different bacteria were conducted. Extraction solvents such as ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and water were considered in this systematic review. The antimicrobial potential of E. hirta was assessed using methods such as MIC, MBC, and diffusion assays (disk and well diffusion).ResultsPetroleum ether extract of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa showed the lowest MICs (0.4, 0.125, and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively), while ethanol extracts exhibited potent activity against S. aureus (14.53 mg/mL), K. pneumoniae (19.73 mg/mL), P. aeruginosa (20.06 mg/ mL), and E. faecalis (29 mg/mL). Chloroform extracts showed a relatively constant moderate level of activity against most of the organisms tested. It ranged from 1.45 mg/mL for E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In general, non-polar solvents such as petroleum ether and chloroform provided better results than their polar counterparts, like methanol (up to 100 mg/mL).ConclusionThe reported in vitro interactions between E. hirta fractions and conventional antibiotics, such as the observed reduction in MICs for cefepime and ciprofloxacin, suggest a potential resistance‐modifying effect. However, these findings remain preliminary and unsubstantiated for clinical translation. Future research should prioritize bioassay‐guided isolation, mechanistic studies and the development of standardized formulations for its integration into clinical practice for addressing antimicrobial resistance.Systematic Reviewwebsite, identifier CRD420251025371.
