No Article Processing Charges (APCs)

In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Terminalia chebula Retz. Fruit Extract Against Carbapenemaes- Producing, β -Lactam Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Insights Into a Possible Dual Mechanism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Go.C, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran

2 Department of Genetics ,Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, TeMSC,Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22087/hmj.2026.580713.1048
Abstract
The escalating crisis of carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly strains producing Class A carbapenemases, necessitates urgent development of therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the potential of the methanolic extract of T. chebula fruit, a well-known medicinal plant, to restore the activity of Imipenem against resistant P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing confirmed the resistance of clinical isolates to Imipenem alone. Experimental evaluation using agar well diffusion assays demonstrated that T. chebula extract possesses intrinsic antibacterial activity and significantly enhances the efficacy of Imipenem against these resistant strains, as evidenced by a substantial increase in zones of inhibition (p < 0.05). To elucidate the underlying mechanism, molecular docking studies were performed on representative compounds of T. chebula, Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside, against the active site of a Class A carbapenemase, alongside Imipenem. Docking revealed that both Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside exhibited superior binding free energies (−9.14 and −8.31 kcal/mol, respectively) compared to Imipenem (−7.94 kcal/mol). Docking analysis suggests these phytochemicals may act as competitive inhibitors by occupying the catalytic pocket through extensive hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, thereby hindering carbapenemase activity. Preliminary in silico toxicity predictions suggested a favorable safety profile for Chebuloside II and Pedunculoside.Collectively, this research supports a dual mechanism: the extract inherently disrupts bacterial processes (likely membrane integrity) while its key components act as potent competitive inhibitors of carbapenemase. This combined action validates T. chebula as a promising natural agent to combat serious β-lactam resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, paving the way for the development of natural adjunctive therapeutics.

Keywords