Evaluation of antibiofilm and cytotoxicity effect of Rumex vesicarius methanol extract

Background Bacterial resistant to antibiotics represents an obstacle in medication management in hospitals. Biofilm can be easily formed by bacteria in indwelling medical devices. By increasing numbers of patients using indwelling medical devices, we have to find an effective antibiofilm for the eradication of biofilm-associated infections. Methods The present study was designed to evaluate the antibiofilm and cytotoxicity effect of methanol extract of Rumex vesicarius L. leaves (Polygonaceae). Antibacterial and antibiofilm assays were investigated in this study against different standard and pathogenic bacteria isolates from endotracheal tubes in intensive care units (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Scanning electron microscopy was used to demonstrate the reduction of biofilm formation using methanol extract of R. vesicarius. Also, cytotoxicity of R. vesicarius L. was evaluated by using the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Results R. vesicarius displayed a broad spectrum and antibacterial activity against the tested organisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the methanol extract was 62.5–125 mg/mL for gram positive while in case of gram negative, it was 125–250 mg/mL. While the result in case of minimal bactericidal concentration was 250–500 mg/mL in case of gram positive and was 500–1,000 mg/mL in case of gram negative. Conclusion Our results recommend usage of R. vesicarius as a promising antibiofilm to combat infection in indwelling medical devices.