Abstract: Botanical extracts and derivative compositions are described for activating or inhibiting the formation and development of bacterial biofilms. Gymnemic acids and other associated saponins are isolated from botanical extractions of the Gymnema sylvestre plant and are used to modulate bacterial biofilm virulence, especially biofilms associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Gurmarin, a polypeptide isolated from botanical extractions of the Gymnema sylvestre plant are used to inhibit biofilm formation, especially biofilms associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Methods for isolating gurmarin (as well as other peptides from botanical extracts) are described using isoelectric focusing separation techniques. Various uses for both research and health care concerns are described for the biofilm activators (modulators) and for the biofilm inhibitor.