Arctigenin from Burdock Root Exhibits Potent Antibacterial and Anti-Virulence Properties against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>

Abstract

<i>Arctium lappa</i> (Burdock) root is used in various culinary applications especially in Asian Cuisine. Arctigenin (ARC) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in the roots of the burdock plant from which it derives its name. The emergence of bacterial resistance is a growing global worry, specifically due to the declining availability of new antibiotics. Screening for the antibacterial candidates among the safe natural products is a promising approach. The present study was aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of ARC against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> exploring its effect on the bacterial cell membrane. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activities of ARC were in vitro, in vivo and in silico assessed against <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. The current results showed the ARC antibacterial activity was owed to its disruption effect of the cell membrane. ARC at sub-MIC significantly decreased the formation of biofilm, motility, production of extracellular enzymes and in vivo protected mice against <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. These anti-virulence activities of ARC are owed to its interference with bacterial QS and its expression. Furthermore, ARC showed mild effect on mammalian erythrocytes, low probability to induce resistance and synergistically combined with antibiotics. In summary, the promising anti-virulence properties of ARC indicate its potential as an effective supplement to conventional antibiotics for treating severe <i>P. aeruginosa</i> infections.