Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) from the bark of H. martiana Hayne on tolerant and persistent Staphylococcus spp. isolates from goat mastitis. The H. martiana extract was obtained from the bark, secondary metabolites were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The virulence of the isolates was evaluated through efflux pump, molecular docking, and biofilm assays, while their resistance profile was assessed using antimicrobial sensitivity, synergism, and kill curve tests. The presence of the major compounds astilbin and engelitin was verified and the Staphylococcus spp. isolates showed sensitivity to the CEE at a minimum concentration of 390.6 µg ml(− 1). The compounds astilbin and engelitin showed better target binding energy compared to enrofloxacin. In virulence assays, the isolates did not exhibit an efflux pump and had a weak biofilm-forming capacity. Potential CCE activity against these structures was observed, warranting further investigation. In the synergistic assay, CCE reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration of enrofloxacin sevenfold, to a concentration of 0.124 µg ml(− 1). Persistent subpopulations were not eliminated during Persistent subpopulations were not eliminated during the 10-hour evaluation period, suggesting a need for a longer study. In conclusion, CCE from H. martiana shows therapeutic potential for goat mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42770-025-01828-1.