ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF NIGELLA SATIVA ON MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT PATHOGENS

The global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens poses a critical challenge to healthcare systems, reducing the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and increasing mortality rates associated with bacterial infections. In response to this crisis, the search for alternative antimicrobial agents has intensified. Nigella sativa (black seed), a plant widely used in traditional medicine, has gained attention due to its broad-spectrum therapeutic potential, particularly its antibacterial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of Nigella sativa against selected MDR bacterial pathogens. Ethanol extraction was conducted using standard maceration procedures, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract was also determined to evaluate its potency. Results revealed that the ethanol extract demonstrated notable antibacterial effects, with varying inhibition zones observed against Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and tannins—each known to contribute to antimicrobial efficacy. These findings highlight the potential of Nigella sativa as a natural antimicrobial agent capable of targeting resistant bacterial strains. The study reinforces the importance of exploring plant-derived therapeutics as viable alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics. In light of the growing antibiotic resistance crisis, Nigella sativa offers a promising avenue for developing more effective, accessible, and less toxic antimicrobial treatments. Further research is recommended to explore its synergistic effects with existing antibiotics, determine its pharmacokinetics, and assess its safety and effectiveness in clinical applications and pharmaceutical formulations.