# Potential Role of Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals Against Foodborne Pathogens
## 3 Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals against Bacteria Causing Foodborne Diseases
### Escherichia coli  
_Escherichia coli_ (_E. coli_), Gram-negative rods, belongs to _Enterobacteriaceae_ family. They represent a vital part of human intestinal normal flora [102]. Enterohemorrhagic _E. coli_ (EHEC) produces verotoxin which causes gastrointestinal cramps and diarrhea [103]. The most prevalent serotype O157:H7 which can lead to HUS followed by neurological disorders and kidney failure. Consumption of unhygienic foods including meat, unprocessed milk, fruits, vegetables can transmit the microbes [104]. This important pathogen involved in foodborne diseases was once highly responsive to fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams, but now is resistant to these antibiotics [105]. Therefore, alternative strategies, e.g., traditional medicines as such and compounds derived from such sources are used to treat foodborne diseases caused by _E. coli_. _Acacia milotica_ ([PERSON]) [PERSON] has been found to disintegrate the cell wall of _E. coli_ and release nucleic acids, proteins with a reduction in viable cell growth [70]. In an in vitro study by [PERSON] et al., nine plants (_Hypericum roeperianum_ Schimp. ex A.Rich., _Cremaspora triflora_ (Thonn.) [PERSON], _Heteromorpha arborescens_ ([PERSON].) [PERSON]. & [PERSON], _Pittsoporum viridiforum_ [PERSON], _Bolusanthus speciosus_ ([PERSON]) [PERSON], _Calpurnia aurea_ ([PERSON]) [PERSON], _Maesa lanccolata_ [PERSON], _Elaodendron croceum_ ([PERSON].) [PERSON] and _Morus mesozyga_ [PERSON]) were selected for antibacterial activity against _E. coli_. All were found to be active against _E. coli_ and thus could be used in the therapeutic management of _E. coli_ infection. The lowest MIC was observed for _Maesa lanccolata_ as 0.04 mg/mL [74]. _Wasabia japonica_ (Miq.) Matsum. is an edible plant that grows at shady, humid and cool places in Japan, China, New Zealand and Korea, and possesses many medicinal properties. This plant inhibits _E. coli_ strain O157:H7 which is widely responsible for diarrhea in foodborne diseases [106]. _Punica granatum_ L. (pomegranate) is a well-known fruit and is abundantly used throughout the world. It is widely used in traditional medicine for a variety of indications including anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer and antimicrobial [107; 108]. Pomegranate contains a variety of phytochemicals (ellagitannins and gallotannins, catechins, procyanidins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and anthocyaninds) [109]. Its antimicrobial activity against _E. coli_ has been reported by several researchers [110; 111; 112]. Traditional healers of the Limpopo province of South Africa use a variety of medicinal plants for treating diarrhea [113]. [PERSON] et al. performed antibacterial experiments to scientifically validate the traditional use of plants against diarrhea/foodborne disease-causing bacteria, i.e; _E. coli_. Their findings confirmed the potential action of _Gymnosporia senegalensis_ (Lam.) [PERSON], _Indigfora daleoides_ [PERSON], _Ozoroa insignis_ [PERSON], _Punica granatum_ L., _Spirostachys africana_ [PERSON] and _Syzygium cordatum_ Hochst. [PERSON] in limiting _E. coli_ infection [114]. Similarly, in Puerto Rico, traditional medicines are used as an alternative therapy for GIT infections. _Tamarindus indica_ L., _Phyllanthus acidus_ (L.), _Punica granatum_ L., _Citrus aurantifolia_ ([PERSON].) [PERSON], _Citrus aurantium_ L. were active against _E. coli_[115].