Natural Plant Compounds Inhibit Harmful Bacteria and Enzyme Activity

Jenn Hoskins
12th July, 2024

Natural Plant Compounds Inhibit Harmful Bacteria and Enzyme Activity

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the University of Karachi found that plant-derived compounds from sumac, pomegranate, and Indian almond can inhibit urease activity and bacterial growth
  • Sumac extracts showed the strongest inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 6 to 25 mg/mL
  • The anthocyanin fractions were particularly effective, with MICs between 6 to 12 mg/mL, and demonstrated strong urease inhibition with low IC50 values (21-116 μg/mL)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Klebsiella, Proteus, and Streptococcus species are significant health concerns due to their urease-dependent pathogenic mechanisms. Urease is an enzyme that hydrolyzes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in pH and facilitating bacterial colonization and infection. A recent study conducted by the University of Karachi explores the potential of plant-derived compounds to inhibit urease activity and thus reduce bacterial virulence[1]. The study utilized methanolic extracts from sumac fruit, pomegranate peel, and Indian almond leaves, which were separated into anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin fractions. The inhibitory effects of these fractions were tested against urease-producing species and jack bean urease activity. The research team also performed molecular docking to determine the binding affinities and interactions of known compounds in the fractions with ureases from various biological origins, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Helicobacter pylori, and Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean). The findings revealed that all the fractions significantly inhibited the growth of Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the tested samples, sumac exhibited the greatest inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 6 to 25 mg/mL. The anthocyanin fractions were particularly effective, with MICs between 6 to 12 mg/mL. Additionally, all fractions demonstrated urease inhibition, with sumac fractions showing the lowest IC50 values (21-116 μg/mL), indicating strong inhibitory potential. The docking studies supported these findings by showing that 27 out of 39 docked compounds interacted with the movable flaps and/or active sites of ureases, explaining their mode of inhibition. This suggests that these plant-derived compounds could effectively disrupt urease activity, thereby reducing bacterial virulence and potentially aiding in the treatment of urease-dependent UTIs. Previous studies have highlighted the role of urease in bacterial pathogenicity. For instance, urease synthesis in Streptococcus salivarius is influenced by environmental factors such as acidity and carbohydrate availability, and can be suppressed by cysteine and sulfide, indicating complex regulatory mechanisms[2]. The current study builds on this knowledge by identifying natural compounds that can inhibit urease activity, offering a novel approach to managing infections. The study also draws parallels with research on other pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae, for example, is known for its virulence factors, including urease, which contribute to its ability to cause severe infections[3]. Inhibiting urease activity could therefore be a promising strategy in combating not just UTIs but other infections caused by urease-producing bacteria. Moreover, the issue of antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori has been a growing concern, with resistance to commonly used antibiotics like clarithromycin prompting the need for alternative treatments[4]. The use of plant-derived compounds with anti-urease properties could provide a complementary approach to traditional antibiotic therapies, potentially reducing the risk of resistance development. Flavonoids, a class of plant-derived compounds, have been previously noted for their anti-urease activity, among other bioactivities[5]. This study's focus on anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin fractions aligns with the ongoing exploration of flavonoids' structural-activity relationships, aiming to develop potent anti-urease agents. In summary, the research conducted by the University of Karachi presents compelling evidence that plant-derived compounds, particularly those from sumac, pomegranate, and Indian almond, can inhibit urease activity and bacterial growth. These findings offer a promising avenue for developing new treatments for urease-dependent infections, addressing the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Inhibitory effect of polyphenols from sumac, pomegranate and indian almond on urease producing bacteria and jack bean urease activity.

Published 8th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133735

Related Studies

2) Suppression of urease levels in Streptococcus salivarius by cysteine, related compounds and by sulfide.

Journal: Oral microbiology and immunology, Issue: Vol 15, Issue 5, Oct 2000

3) Klebsiella pneumoniae: Going on the Offense with a Strong Defense.

https://doi.org/10.1128/MMBR.00078-15

4) Development of Helicobacter pylori treatment: How do we manage antimicrobial resistance?

https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v25.i16.1907

5) Flavonoids and related privileged scaffolds as potential urease inhibitors: a review.

https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra08284e


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