Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus: Mechanisms, Modern Insights, and Therapeutic Potential

Authors

  • Mohamed Omar Abdalla Salem Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Bani Waleed University, Bani Waleed, Libya
  • Gazala Saad Ahmed Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Bani Waleed University, Bani Waleed, Libya.
  • Mabrouka Mohamed Muftah Abuamoud Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Sirte, Sirte, Libya.
  • Rezgalla Younis Mahmoud Rezgalla Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Kufra, Kufra, Libya.

Keywords:

Antibacterial Activity, Agar Well Diffusion, Taraxacum Officinale, Phytochemical Synergy, Antibiotic Resistance, MIC

Abstract

This study investigates the antibacterial potential of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), a plant revered in traditional medicine, against two clinically significant pathogens: Escherichia coli (a leading cause of urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections) and Staphylococcus aureus (notorious for skin and bloodstream infections, including methicillin-resistant strains, MRSA). Methanol, chloroform, and aqueous extracts of dandelion leaves and roots were prepared using Soxhlet extraction and maceration, then evaluated via agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Methanol extracts exhibited the highest activity, with zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 16–18 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.30 mg/mL against both strains, outperforming chloroform extracts (ZOI: 14–15 mm) and demonstrating efficacy comparable to tetracycline. Phytochemical profiling confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids—compounds linked to membrane disruption and enzyme inhibition in bacteria. Aqueous extracts showed no activity, likely due to poor solubility of hydrophobic bioactive constituents. These findings, supported by recent metabolomic studies identifying sesquiterpene lactones in dandelion position Taraxacum officinale as a promising candidate for antibiotic adjuvant development. 

Published

2025-05-15

How to Cite

Mohamed Omar Abdalla Salem, Gazala Saad Ahmed, Mabrouka Mohamed Muftah Abuamoud, & Rezgalla Younis Mahmoud Rezgalla. (2025). Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus: Mechanisms, Modern Insights, and Therapeutic Potential. Libyan Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences, 3(2), 37–40. Retrieved from https://ljmas.com/index.php/journal/article/view/52

Issue

Section

Life Sciences