Abstract
Background: The global spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has created an urgent need for new antimicrobial treatments. This is especially critical in Libya, where infections from multidrug-resistant pathogens are common. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antibacterial potential of aqueous and alcoholic extracts from ivy leaves (Hedera helix) against these key pathogenic bacteria. Methods: We prepared extracts using dried ivy leaves and tested them against clinical bacterial isolates using standard disc diffusion and broth macro-dilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results: Our results showed a complete absence of antibacterial activity. No zones of inhibition were observed in the disc diffusion assay, and the MIC for all extracts against all bacterial strains was determined to be greater than 100%, the highest concentration tested. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the therapeutic value of H. helix leaf extracts, while well-established for respiratory symptoms, does not include a direct antibacterial effect against the pathogens tested. The search for novel antimicrobials from botanical sources should focus on other plants and more advanced extraction techniques. Keywords: Ivy Leaf Extracts, Antibacterial Activity, Pathogenic Bacteria