Antibacterial activity of celery (Apium Graveolens) extract against urinary tract infections

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent microbial infection that affects both males (20%) and females (80%), with an incidence of approximately three occurrences per year. Clinical symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic discomfort, and dysuria. While UTIs can be treated or prevented with antibiotics, continued use may lead to increased resistance and reduced efficacy. For this reason, herbal medicines are considered a viable strategy for treatment and for reducing multidrug resistance. Among these, Apium graveolens (celery) is of particular interest. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Apium graveolens L., especially in the context of UTI infections. Materials and Methods: The plants were dried and subjected to hydroalcoholic extraction, followed by evaporation of the ethanol to obtain a dry powder. Phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the contents of tannins, total polyphenols, and total flavonoids. Sample Collection: 100 midstream urine samples were collected and inoculated onto three types of agar media: nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and blood agar. Media Preparation: Media were prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Bacterial Isolation: Isolated bacteria were identified using selective, differential, and general media based on colonial morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Results: In a study involving 100 UTI patients, 82% were female and 18% were male, with bacterial growth observed in 94 samples. Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (57.44%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (17.02%), Streptococcus spp. (10.6%), and other less common bacteria. Apium graveolens demonstrated promising dose-dependent antibacterial activity against various bacterial species, achieving inhibitory zones ranging from 5.5 mm to 14 mm, with notable effectiveness. Its impact on Proteus spp. was powerful, matching the efficacy of amoxicillin. Conclusion: According to this study, hydroalcoholic extraction of Apium graveolens significantly reduces bacterial infections, indicating its potential role in the management of UTIs.