Antibacterial activity of Ficus thonningii (Chediya) leaf extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Urine samples of Patients attending FUDMA clinic.

Abstract

The use of various plant parts in treatment is gaining prominence due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and the rising cost of living, especially in the developing world. Ficus thonningii, commonly called the wild fig, has been used in numerous communities in Nigeria as an ethnomedicinal plant. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of Ficus thonningii leaf extracts against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from urine samples. Bioactive compounds were extracted using both aqueous and ethanolic extraction methods, and phytoconstituents were detected qualitatively. The antibacterial effect of these extracts was assessed using agar well diffusion assays after confirming the clinical isolates to evaluate efficacy, MIC, and MBC values. Results showed that Ficus thonningii harbors a variety of phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, anthraquinones, sterols, coumarins, and tannins. The isolates were subjected to catalase, coagulase, indole, methyl red, citrate utilization, motility, TSI, and DNase tests, which confirmed them to be S. aureus and E. coli. Significant zones of growth inhibition, particularly with the ethanolic extracts, were observed, indicating a stronger antibacterial efficacy compared to aqueous extracts. MIC values were observed at a concentration of 12.5 mg/ml, and MBC values were recorded at 50 mg/ml for E. coli, while MIC and MBC for S. aureus were recorded at 1.56 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml, respectively. These findings provide insight into the potential of Ficus thonningii leaf extract as an antibacterial agent due to its rich phytoconstituents and antibacterial activity, especially against pathogens associated with urinary tract infections.