Antimicrobial Efficacy of Carabao Grass (Paspalum conjugatum) leaves on Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

In the Philippines, the Paspalum conjugatum or known by its common name as “carabao grass”is usually consumed for livestock as well as for landscaping. Paspalum conjugatum has beenknown to have phytochemicals that kill microorganisms. This experimental researchdetermined the phytochemicals present and antimicrobial efficacy of Paspalum conjugatumagainst Staphylococcus aureus. Samples of the carabao grass was purchased, washed and thendried. An extract was obtained from the sample. The extract was then sent to an accreditedtesting center for phytochemical test to identify the different components of the plant extract.The antimicrobial activity of the paspalum conjugatum extract was then determined throughthe use of the disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition of Paspalum Conjugatum was alsocompared to a control standard such as oxacillin.The results of the study revealed to have abundant constituents of sterols, flavonoids andtannins; moderate levels of triterpenes, saponins and glycosides; and traces of alkaloids. Theantimicrobial testing showed results that Paspalum Conjugatum had 10mm zone of inhibitionwhich means that it has a complete inhibitory activity with severe reactivity against the testedorganism, staphylococcus aureus.The study concludes that Paspalum conjugatum can be used to eliminate staphylococcusaureus. It is recommended that further studies be conducted for the use of Paspalumconjugatum in the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus.