Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Micromeria Barbata Leaf and Stem Extracts Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Insights From Molecular Docking and in Vitro Assays

The present study provides the characterization of the phytochemical content and the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the leaves (LM) and stems (SM) of Micromeria barbata (M.barbata) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Important functional groups were determined by analyzing the FTIR spectra of LM and SM. The phytochemical profiles were analyzed by GC-MS, and these characterized the chemicals according to retention periods and peak regions. The binding affinities of discovered compounds with the P. aeruginosa LasR and PqsD proteins were evaluated using molecular docking approach. Assays for biofilm formation, MIC, MBC, and agar well diffusion were used to assess the antimicrobial activity. From the FTIR spectra, alkanes, amides, and aromatic constituents were identified. Sixteen distinct substances were obtained from GC-MS analysis;, including piperitenone , citronellene , and oleic acid in SM, and menthone, Pulegone, Verbenone and caryophellene in LM. LM and SM compounds both showed Stronger binding affinities with the PqsD protein were obtained from molecular docking with ∆G values ranged from -10.3 to -13.12 were higher compared to LasR simulations results . Antimicrobial findings showed that SM and LM exhibited an antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa with 16 and 18 mm respectively as inhibition zones. MIC values for LM and SM were 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively. With LM showing greater effectiveness, both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent reduction of biofilm formation and bactericidal activity. Extracts of M. barbata, notably the leaves, have significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, suggesting potential applications in the developing of novel antibacterial treatments.