PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) LEAVES

This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Mangifera indica (mango). Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using cold maceration with methanol. The crude extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected bacterial and fungal isolates using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, cardenolides, terpenoids, tannins, carbohydrates, and saponins, while alkaloids were absent. These bioactive compounds are known to contribute to the therapeutic properties traditionally attributed to the plant. Antimicrobial screening showed that the extract exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against some bacterial species, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi, particularly at higher concentrations (400 mg/mL), but demonstrated no activity against fungal organisms such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Although inhibition zones were observed, they were comparatively lower than those produced by the standard antibiotic control, indicating limited antimicrobial potency under the tested conditions. The findings suggest that while Mangifera indica leaves contain important phytochemicals with potential pharmacological value, the methanolic leaf extract alone may possess only mild antimicrobial activity. Further studies involving alternative solvents, extract fractionation, and isolation of active compounds are recommended to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and support potential therapeutic applications.