In silico and in vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity of Arctium lappa L. leaf and flower essential oil against WHO priority pathogens

A study on essential oil from Arctium lappa (burdock) highlights its potential as a novel, multitarget antimicrobial agent against resistant pathogens. Chemical analysis identified key components—1,3-cyclooctadiene, caryophyllene oxide, and aromadendrene—while in vitro testing showed strong activity against MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida auris, with effectiveness comparable to standard drugs. Computational analyses further demonstrated that these compounds can bind stably to critical microbial targets (e.g., DNA gyrase and fungal sterol synthesis enzymes), supporting a mechanistic basis for their activity. Overall, the findings suggest that plant-derived essential oils, combining multiple modes of action, could offer promising leads for developing new therapeutics against WHO-priority resistant pathogens.