The effect of Rhodiola Rosea and Leuzea carthamoides on the antibiotic resistance of E. coli

Bacteria are constantly evolving, becoming resistant to antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is a complex problem arising from the adaptive capabilities of bacteria and their rapid spread among microorganisms, making the treatment of infections increasingly difficult. Escherichia coli is a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, it has clinical and epidemiological significance. The bacterium is one of the reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes and for this reason has been classified by the World Health Organization as a pathogen posing a threat to public health. Herbal medicines and their components possess properties that can alter the resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs. The effect of plant adaptogens on the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is insufficiently studied. An in vitro study was conducted to examine the impact of Rhodiola rosea and Leuzea carthamoides on the susceptibility level of Escherichia coli to various antimicrobial drugs. Escherichia coli cultures were obtained from calves with symptoms of acute intestinal diseases. Susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial drugs from five groups was determined, including penicillins, carbapenems, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. The effect of Rhodiola rosea and Leuzea carthamoides was studied by co-incubating Escherichia coli cultures with a decoction of adaptogen roots, followed by re-culturing the isolates and re-determining susceptibility. The results showed that after exposure to Rhodiola rosea and Leuzea carthamoides, the resistance of Escherichia coli to cephalosporins (ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, and cefixime) decreased by 3–43%, depending on the antimicrobial drug and the studied factor. Susceptibility to imipenem (a carbapenem) increased by 13–16%. Susceptibility to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones changed only occasionally and very slightly (within 3–9%) under the influence of the adaptogens. Further research is needed to clarify the potential risks or benefits of using plant adaptogens in the context of antimicrobial resistance.