Research Area: Science
Date Published: 28-11-2024
Ethanolic and aqueous (hot and cold) extracts of dried seeds of Monodora myristica were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Six clinical bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freudii) and two fungal isolates (Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus) were used. Bacterial isolates were cultured and examined microscopically to confirm their identities through Gram reactions and biochemical tests, while fungal isolates were examined on Sabouraud dextrose agar to confirm their characteristics. Results were analyzed using a three-way ANOVA factorial experiment. The susceptibility of the test organisms to the extracts showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Ethanolic extract had the highest activity, followed by hot water extract, and then cold-water extract. Ethanolic extract was most effective against Enterococcus faecalis (24.7 ± 1.5 mm) and least effective against Escherichia coli (7.7 ± 1.0 mm). Hot water extract showed highest activity against Candida albicans (18.0 ± 1.5 mm) and lowest against Enterococcus faecalis (7.7 ± 1.0 mm). Cold water extract was most effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3 ± 1.2 mm) and least effective against Citrobacter freudii and Enterococcus faecalis (both 9.7 ± 1.0 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged from ≤62.5 to 1000mg/ml for ethanolic and hot water extracts, and from ≥62.5 to 1000mg/ml for cold water extract. Minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) ranged from 125 to >2000mg/ml for ethanolic extract, ≤250 to >2000mg/ml for hot water extract, and ≤125 to >2000mg/ml for cold water extract. These findings suggest that Monodora myristica seeds exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacterial and yeast pathogens.