Abstract

INVESTIGATING THE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF CRESCENTIA CUJETE LEAF EXTRACT

*Yamuna R., Suresh M. and Prabhu V.

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Abstract

Plants are a rich source of therapeutic compounds that have significant applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Crescentia cujete, in particular, has shown potential in combating bacterial and fungal infections. In this study, C. cujete leaf extract was tested against fungi and bacteria using five different concentrations. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted, and the results demonstrated notable zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. This finding was considered significant since the p-value was less than 0.05 at concentrations of 10 μl, 20 μl, 50 μl, and 100 μl when compared to the positive control. Similarly, the leaf extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, with p-values below 6.5, 7.09, and 18 at concentrations of 50 μl, 100 μl, and 200 μl, respectively, when compared with the positive control. Overall, this study indicates that Crescentia cujete leaf extract possesses antimicrobial properties. Further research is needed to explore the bioactive compounds within C. cujete to fully understand its potential as a new source of antibacterial agents.

Keywords: Crescentia cujete, Antibacterial, antifungal, Phytochemical analysis.