Antiparasitic and antimicrobial activity of Ipomoea palmata against Toxoplasma gondii and Staphylococcus aureus: correlation with major phenolics identified by HPLC

Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite found in water sources, causes toxoplasmosis, with no current protocols for inactivating its oocysts in water. Staphylococcus aureus, a significant bacterial pathogen, is known for causing various illnesses, including skin infections and biofilm-related diseases. This study investigated the antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of Ipomoea palmata leaf extract, rich in phenolics, against T. gondii tachyzoites and S. aureus. I. palmata extract significantly reduced tachyzoites count in peritoneal fluids and liver smears of infected mice with alleviation of toxoplasmosis-induced hepatitis. SEM showed surface irregularities in tachyzoites from treated groups. The extract demonstrated antibacterial action against S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 128 to 512 µg/mL, reduced biofilm formation from 69.23% to 15.38% of tested isolates, and downregulated biofilm genes (cna, fnbA, and ica) in 53.85% of isolates. Treatment with I. palmata extract improved liver architecture, reduced inflammation, and eliminated blood vessel congestion. The main phenolic acids identified by HPLC/UV analysis were chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and methyl gallate, while the predominant flavonoids were apigenin, quercetin, and naringenin. These findings highlight the potential of I. palmata extract as a natural antimicrobial and antiparasitic agent, warranting further research to isolate and evaluate its active compounds.