Reversal of Pseudomonas infections by plant extracts

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for severe chronic infections in immunocompromised individuals and in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The ability of P. aeruginosa to adapt to the heterogeneous environment of lungs, the intrinsic antibiotic resistance and the ability to acquire resistance to any given antibiotic via mutations. Acorus calamus and Semecarpus anacardium showed beneficial effects of the extract where eradication of bacteria from the lungs was observed. Clearance of the PMNs from lungs of treated animals showed the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. T. bellerica, M. oleifera and N. sativa showed significant inhibition of LasA and LasB activity. Interestingly all of the plant extracts decreased the pyocyanin production. The mechanism of action of all these plant extracts needs to be ascertained.