Allium ursinum leaves aqueous extract alleviates Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in Caenorhabditis elegans

Background
The rise of multidrug-resistant microorganisms primarily driven by the misuse and overprescription of antibiotics, is recognized as one of the top ten global health challenges. The identification of novel antimicrobial agents for the development of new drugs has been challenging and natural plant-based bioactive compounds may represent as alternative therapeutic options. Although the antibacterial properties of Allium ursinum (wild garlic) are well documented, no in vivo studies utilizing Caenorhabditis elegans to screen phytochemicals with antimicrobial activity have been conducted.
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of local wild garlic on C. elegans infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods
Antimicrobial activity was evaluated through comprehensive analyses of worm morphology, reproductive capacity, and overall fitness. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined at the mRNA and protein levels.
Results
Pretreatment of nematodes with wild garlic extract prior to P. aeruginosa infection led to a marked increase in worm length and a significant increase in the number of progeny. Additionally, co-incubation with the extract enhanced the fitness of the worms. Notably, wild garlic treatment significantly changed the expression of key genes associated with bacterial defense, immune responses, and oxidative stress in nematodes infected with P. aeruginosa, as determined by gene expression analyses and fluorescence microscopy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wild garlic exerted beneficial effects on worm size, progeny number, fitness and regulated the expression of key genes in the model organism C. elegans, demonstrating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics.