Published in PLOS One on 2026-09-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. HealthSignal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Gemechu Ameya, Aseer Manilal, Mujib Abdulkadir, Tegenu Gelana, Kuzhunellil Raghavanpillai Sabu
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0358267
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance require a continuous search for novel compounds with therapeutic potential. The approach of linking traditional practices and knowledge with evidence-based preclinical studies can help minimize the resource-intensive process of drug screening. Rumex abyssinicus is an important plant species used in Ethiopian traditional medicine, and this study aims to conduct a phytochemical analysis of root extracts of R. abyssinicus and determine its antimicrobial activity. R. abyssinicus roots were extracted in six solvents of different polarities. Agar well-diffusion assays of the extracts were performed against type culture bacterial strains, clinically bacterial isolates, and fungi, while the tube dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts. The ground root powder was refluxed with acetonitrile (1:10 w/v) and analyzed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass-spectrometry. A one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc multiple comparisons was performed, and differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The root extract of R. abyssinicus showed antimicrobial activity against type culture bacteria and clinical isolates, and fungi. Extraction with different solvents yielded extracts with varying antimicrobial activities. The extracts showed a varied range of antimicrobial activities against the test organisms, with inhibition zones of 11–25 mm for bacteria and 9–24 mm for fungi. The MIC range fell between 12.5 and 100 mg/mL. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of major compounds such as emodin (30%), chrysophanol (18%), physcion (16%), helminthosporin (12%), citreorosein (11%) and emodic acid (8%) which are envisaged to have functional roles in chemical defense against the tested organisms. The susceptibilities of the tested bacteria and fungi varied depending on the type of solvent used for extraction and extract concentration. Enhanced antimicrobial activities were observed against the entire panel of bacteria compared to those against the test fungi. The results support the traditional use of R. abyssinicus for treating infectious diseases.
Introduction
The irrational use of antimicrobial agents and the resulting spread of antimicrobial resistance present considerable challenges to the modern healthcare system [1]. Antimicrobial resistance is now recognized as a silent pandemic of the 21st century [2]. An urgent need to develop novel antimicrobial agents exists against the backdrop of rising antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Increasing resistance among bacterial and fungal pathogens is diminishing the efficacy of currently available regimens and poses a substantial threat to global public health [3]. More than ten thousand patients die each day as a result of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria [4]. Beyond its health implications, AMR imposes a heavy economic burden, resulting in losses of billions of dollars annually [5].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Gemechu Ameya, Aseer Manilal, Mujib Abdulkadir, Tegenu Gelana, Kuzhunellil Raghavanpillai Sabu. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by HealthSignal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of HealthSignal’s staff.
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