Complex Standard Formulation as an Example for Synergism and Improved Antibacterial Activity Against Uropathogenic...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Herbal mixtures are traditionally used for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• A specific German formulation combines Betula sp., Agropyron repens, Solidago gigantea, and Ononis spinosa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-adhesion effects of a combined herbal extract versus separately extracted components.
• To identify the active compounds and mechanisms responsible for the anti-UTI effects.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and comparison of combined and separate herbal extracts.
• In vitro assays using UPEC strains and bladder cell lines (T24, RT4).
• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for compound identification.
• Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR) to study bacterial mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The combined extract, but not separate extracts, reduced type-1 fimbriae activity in UPEC CFT073.
• Malonylated dammarane triterpenes from Betula spp., enhanced by Solidago sp., were identified as key antiadhesive compounds.
• A dammarane-enhanced fraction (DEF) showed significant antiadhesive effects and modulated UTI89 gene expression (downregulation of fimC, fimD, fimH; upregulation of fliC).

Conclusions:

• The combination of specific herbal ingredients, particularly Betula sp. and Solidago gigantea, is crucial for effective anti-UTI properties.
• Improved extraction of birch leaf constituents enhances the antiadhesive effects, validating the use of combined herbal preparations.