Evaluation of Multidimensional Antimicrobial Efficacy of Extracts of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) Against Multidrug-Resistant Selected Pathogens

This study investigates the evaluation of multidimensional antimicrobial efficacy of extracts of Lawsonia inermis against multidrug-resistant selected pathogens. Antimicrobial assays of the two extract of Lawsonia inermis (aqueous and ethanolic) demonstrated against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton rubrum) and controls (ciprofloxacin and amphoterin B respectively). Differential and inferential statistics were used (SPSS v26.0). Ethanolic extract zones of inhibition (ZOI) against bacteria (18.9 ± 0.8 - 22.4 ± 0.8 mm) were higher than the aqueous extract (10.6 ± 0.4 - 13.3 ± 0.7 mm). The highest ZOI was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.4 ± 0.8 mm); 93.3 % relative potency compared to ciprofloxacin). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the ethanolic (6.25 – 25.0 Mg/mL) compared to aqueous (12.5 – 50.0 mg/ml), while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of ethanolic (13.65 – 56.0 mg/ml) and aqueous (23.5 – 100.6 mg/ml). The fungal assays, ethanolic have ZOI (17.8 ± 0.6 - 20.1 ± 0.7 mm), while aqueous (14.3 ±0.5 -11.6 ±0.4). The highest ZOI was observed against Candida albicans (20.1± 0.7 mm), achieving up to 89.3 % relative potency compared to amphoterin B. MIC and MFC (fungi) values are 12.5 – 25.0 mg/ml and 25.0 – 50.0 mg/ml respectively. Mutant prevention concentration (ethanolic) (3.2 – 4.1 mg/ml) were lower than the aqueous (8.7 – 10.2 mg/ml), indicating reduced resistance risk. These findings validate the traditional use of L. inermis and its potential as a phyto-therapeutic agent against drug-resistant organisms.