Antibacterial Activity of the Leaf and Bark Extracts of Anacardium Occidental on Selected Pathogenic Microorganisms

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitates exploring alternative therapeutic options, such as medicinal plants. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Anacardium occidentale (cashew) leaves and bark against selected pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds like phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins, which contribute to the plant's antimicrobial properties. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth using the agar well diffusion method. The ethanolic bark extract showed superior antimicrobial activity compared to the methanolic leaf extract, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, possibly due to better solubility of active compounds in ethanol. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests confirmed the potency of the extracts, with concentrations as low as 87.5 mg/ml inhibiting resistant strains. These findings support the potential use of Anacardium occidentale as a source of natural antimicrobial agents, particularly in regions facing antibiotic resistance challenges. Further research is recommended to optimize extraction methods and explore the long-term stability of these plant based treatments. This study highlights the significance of traditional medicine as an affordable and viable alternative for managing resistant bacterial infections.