Antibacterial Activity of the Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana against some Human Bacterial Pathogens

Abstract

Humanity has long been creating traditional treatments based on the knowledge of medicinal plants found worldwide. The medicinal potential of Acalypha wilkesiana in treating skin and gastrointestinal problems is highly appreciated. This study aimed to examine the Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract's antibacterial effectiveness against a variety of human bacterial infections. Standard techniques were used to determine whether secondary metabolites were present in methanolic, ethanolic, and hot water extracts. The plant extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria obtained from Bells University of Technology, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Agar diffusion was used for antibacterial activities, and Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the agar dilution method. According to the study's findings, the plant sample included flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, and saponins. With a MIC of 2.5 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis and 5.0 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, hot water extract exhibited the highest activity level against all tested isolates. As a result, Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.