Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Nigella sativa and Lepidium sativum on Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella Spp

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of aqueous extracts from Nigella sativa (black seed) and Lepidium sativum (garden cress) against two clinically important bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp. Aqueous extracts at different concentrations (55%, 75%, and 100%) were prepared and tested using the disk diffusion method to assess their antimicrobial activity. The results showed that both plant extracts exhibited notable antibacterial effects, with higher concentrations demonstrating stronger inhibition zones. Staphylococcus aureus showed greater sensitivity to the extracts compared to Klebsiella spp., likely due to differences in their cell wall structures. The study highlighted the potential of these plant extracts as natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. However, further studies are required to confirm their safety and clinical efficacy.