Ученые Нигерии обнаружили, что экстракт гибискуса эффективно подавляет устойчивые к антибиотикам бактерии

Researchers at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, have identified Hibiscus sabdariffa, popularly known as Zobo, as a promising natural antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli), the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In a new study, the researchers demonstrated that both aqueous and ethanol extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli, with the antibacterial activity increasing as the concentration of the extracts increased. The findings, published in the Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, come at a time when Nigeria and many other countries are grappling with the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which has reduced the effectiveness of several commonly prescribed antibiotics. The study, led by Mujahid Musa of the Department of Microbiology, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, investigated the antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces against multidrug-resistant E. coli isolated from patients attending General Hospital Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. ALSO READ: Benefits of Zobo (Hibiscus) beyond the taste Urinary tract infections remain among the most common bacterial infections globally, with E. coli responsible for the majority of community-acquired infections. However, the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains has made treatment more difficult, largely due to the misuse of antibiotics and widespread self-medication in many developing countries. Public health experts have repeatedly warned that antimicrobial resistance is becoming one of the world’s most serious health threats, contributing to treatment failures, prolonged hospital stays and rising healthcare costs. Zobo drink, prepared from the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle), has long been used in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Beyond its popularity as a refreshing beverage, the plant has attracted scientific interest because of its rich content of natural compounds with potential medicinal value. One of the most extensively studied medicinal benefits of Zobo is its potential to help lower high blood pressure. Research suggests that hibiscus tea may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and promoting the excretion of excess sodium from the body. Regular consumption of hibiscus beverages has also been associated with improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in some studies. In addition, some research suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa may improve insulin sensitivity and modestly reduce blood glucose levels, although more studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans. For the study, the researchers analysed 50 urine samples collected from patients with suspected urinary tract infections. Laboratory investigations confirmed E. coli in 10 samples, representing an isolation rate of 20 per cent. Seven of the ten confirmed cases were females, reinforcing long-established evidence that women are disproportionately affected by urinary tract infections than men. According to the researchers, antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed disturbing resistance patterns among the bacterial isolates. The highest resistance was recorded against cefotaxime, with 80 per cent of the isolates showing resistance. This was followed by ciprofloxacin at 70 per cent and ampicillin at 60 per cent. Four of the isolates met the criteria for multidrug resistance after showing resistance to at least three different classes of antibiotics. However, all the bacterial isolates remained susceptible to nitrofurantoin, suggesting that the drug continues to be an effective treatment option for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The researchers then evaluated extracts prepared from the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa to determine whether the plant possessed antibacterial activity against the resistant bacteria. Laboratory tests showed that both the aqueous and ethanol extracts inhibited the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli. The antibacterial effect increased as the concentration of the extracts increased, indicating a clear dose-dependent response. Among the two preparations, the ethanol extract consistently demonstrated greater antibacterial potency than the aqueous extract. According to the researchers, this suggests that ethanol was more effective in extracting the plant compounds responsible for the antibacterial activity. The study also identified several important chemical constituents in the extracts, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins that have previously been associated with antimicrobial activity because they are capable of damaging bacterial cell membranes, interfering with essential enzyme systems and inhibiting microbial growth. According to the researchers, the findings provide further scientific evidence supporting the medicinal value of Hibiscus sabdariffa and its potential role as a complementary antimicrobial agent. “The findings indicate that Hibiscus sabdariffa possesses significant antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli and may serve as a potential complementary antimicrobial agent for urinary tract infections,” the researchers stated. Despite the encouraging results, the scientists cautioned against interpreting the findings as proof that drinking Zobo or using homemade herbal preparations can cure urinary tract infections. They explained that the investigation was conducted entirely under laboratory conditions, and as such further studies, including in humans, are required before the plant can be recommended for therapeutic use. Nevertheless, they described the findings as an important contribution to ongoing efforts to identify affordable, locally available and plant-based solutions to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to new antibiotics remains a major challenge. WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV - Relationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love? - “No” Is a Complete Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling Guilty - Relationship Hangout: Friendship Talk 2025 – How to Be a Good Friend & Big Questions on Friendship - Police Overpower Armed Robbers in Ibadan After Fierce Struggle