Biochemical potential of Cleome viscosa L.: An investigation into antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of the methanolic extract against catheter- associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) causing pathogens

Medical devices are widely used and can impact human health, often leading to severe complications. In particular, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), which are common nosocomial infections caused by biofilm-forming organisms, make treatment challenging. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new antimicrobial agents to combat CAUTI infections. Our study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Cleome viscosa L. methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Agar diffusion assays were conducted to confirm the antimicrobial activity. The microdilution method determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. viscosa as 0.5 mg/ml, effectively inhibiting the growth of all tested pathogens. Additionally, biofilm formation inhibition was assessed using crystal violet staining, which showed biofilm inhibition at the MIC level. C. viscosa demonstrated a significant reduction in mature biofilms, eliminating 86%, 88%, 83%, and 83% of S. aureus, C. albicans, E. faecalis, and E. coli biofilms, respectively. C. viscosa coated catheter tubes exhibited antimicrobial effects in an in vitro bladder model. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of C. viscosa extract were demonstrated, with no toxic effects observed on normal L929 cells. Overall, the extract shows promising antimicrobial activity and may be considered for CAUTI treatment.