Modifying Effect of the Antibiotic Action, Membrane Permeability, and ADMET/Toxicity Profile of the Fixed Oil From the Pulp of Mauritia Flexuosa F.L. (Arecaceae)

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics has stimulated the search for natural products capable of modulating antimicrobial activity. In this study, the fixed oil from Mauritia flexuosa pulp was evaluated for its antibacterial activity, modulatory effect on antibiotics, membrane permeability, and ADMET/toxicity profile. The chemical composition of the oil was analyzed by GC-MS after transesterification, revealing fatty acids as the major constituents, particularly palmitic and elaidic acids. Antibacterial activity and modulation assays were performed using standard microdilution methods, while membrane permeability was assessed using SYTOX Green. The fixed oil showed no significant antibacterial activity under the tested conditions; however, it demonstrated a modulatory effect when combined with antibiotics, enhancing their activity. Membrane permeability assays indicated increased bacterial membrane disruption. In silico ADMET analysis suggested low systemic toxicity, with potential irritative effects. These findings indicate that M. flexuosa fixed oil may act as a modulator of antibiotic activity, possibly through membrane interaction mechanisms µg/mL.