Antibacterial Activity of Retama raetem Plant Extract against Clinically Relevant Bacterial Strains

Abstract

Background: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Retama raetam, a perennial shrub traditionally used in North African medicine, has gained attention for its potential antimicrobial properties. Aim: This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of R. raetam against clinically important bacteria. Methods: Antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution following Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: The R. raetam extract exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with the strongest effects observed against Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: These findings suggest that R. raetam represents a promising source of bioactive compounds for antimicrobial drug discovery.