Bioactive Potential of Hibiscus rosa sinensis and Jasminum sambac Extracts against Food Borne Pathogens ^†

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are a serious issue that affects not only human health but also has an impact on the global economy. They remain a persistent problem due to the continuing changes in global food trade trends, dietary patterns, food manufacturing, and the emergence of foodborne microbes in the food chain. In Pakistan, where meat is considered an essential component of our meals, due to its high nutrient concentration levels, high water activity, minerals and vitamins, and other growth factors such as pH, microbes thrive in it. The extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria spp. Traditional medicinal practices, especially the use of plant extracts, continue to play a crucial role in addressing basic healthcare needs in underdeveloped countries. The purpose of our study was to check the antibacterial potential of Jasminum sambac (jasmine) and Hibiscus rosa sinensis (China rose) extracts against foodborne pathogens, i.e., E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. The hot and cold extracts were prepared using ethanol and distilled water, and the antibacterial activity was observed by the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also carried out on the plant extracts, which gave MIC values of 6 and 12 µg/mL for E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that ethanol extracts of both plants possessed bactericidal activity. Our study indicates that the native plants of Pakistan have significant bioactivity against foodborne pathogens.