Patients with long-term diabetes often develop Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs), which are prone to infections that can lead to severe complications, including antibiotic resistance. This study explores the antibacterial potential of Terminalia chebula fruit extracts against Staphylococcus aureus by comparing protein expression in treated and untreated bacterial cells. The analysis revealed significant changes in 19 protein spots that were upregulated, and 41 protein spots were downregulated, which are linked to bacterial metabolism and virulence. Specifically, the treated bacteria showed downregulation of key proteins such as N-acetylmuramic acid 6-phosphate etherase, Argininosuccinate lyase, and Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase. These proteins are associated with carbohydrate metabolism, lyase activity, and phosphoric diester hydrolase activity, respectively. The suppression of these proteins suggests that T. chebula extracts may disrupt bacterial metabolic and virulence pathways, contributing to antibacterial effects. This study provides scientific evidence supporting the potential of Terminalia chebula fruit extracts as a promising alternative for developing therapeutic agents to treat infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
