A Comprehensive Review of the Antibacterial Activity of Costus afer Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Keywords:
Medicinal herbs, Antibacterial action, Multidrug Resistance, Staphylococcus aureus, Costus AferAbstract
A major worldwide public health concern is the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The hunt for new antimicrobial drugs, particularly from medicinal plants historically employed in ethnomedicine, has accelerated due to the limited efficacy of current antibiotics. The tropical African perennial herb Costus afer Ker-Gawl has long been used in traditional medical systems to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. With a focus on its ability to combat multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, this study offers a thorough analysis of Costus afer's antibacterial qualities. The study looks at C. afer's botany, phytochemical makeup, ethnomedical significance, and antibacterial properties that have been demonstrated in experiments. There is also discussion of current research gaps, comparative effectiveness with traditional antibiotics, and mechanisms of antimicrobial activity. According to the results, Costus afer has strong antibacterial properties that could aid in the creation of new treatment drugs that target MDR S. aureus. To confirm its safety and effectiveness, more in vivo research, toxicology analyses, and clinical studies are necessary.
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