Phytochemical Constituent and Anti-Bacterial Activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Dwarf) Leaves

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the potential of the aqueous extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Dwarf) leaves as a natural antibacterial agent against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The extract was subjected to phytochemical screening to identify its bioactive constituents. The antibacterial effectiveness was assessed against S. aureus and E. coli using the agar well diffusion method, with the zone of inhibition as the main measurement. The extract demonstrated significant dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, particularly at concentrations between 40 and 100 mg/ml. The observed efficacy was comparable to that of the standard antibiotic chloramphenicol (10 mg/ml). The extract displayed a significant effect against S. aureus (gram-positive) compared to E. coli (gram-negative). The aqueous extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Dwarf) leaves possesses substantial and promising antibacterial properties against both E. coli and S. aureus. Further investigations are required to fully elucidate the active constituents and explore the potential of the extract as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics in the fight against antibiotic resistance.