MECHANISM OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF MANNIOPHYTON FULVUM AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Abstract

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in plant-derived compounds due to their potential effectiveness, affordability, and relatively fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs (Sadoff, 2020). This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of ethanol leaf extract of Manniophyton fulvum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Standard phytochemical screening methods revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins, while steroids, anthraquinones, and phlobatannins were absent. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion and broth dilution techniques. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition measuring 8±0.74 mm, 12±1.36 mm, and 19±2.25 mm at increasing concentrations. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined to be 100 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis indicated structural damage to bacterial cells, including shrinkage, lysis, and formation of granular blisters, suggesting disruption of cellular integrity. The findings indicate that Manniophyton fulvum possesses significant antibacterial properties and could serve as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further studies are recommended to isolate and characterize the active compounds responsible for this activity.