ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF COCONUT OIL EXTRACT AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS, ESCHERICHIA COLI, ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS, AND CANDIDA ALBICANS
Abstract
Abstract
This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of coconut oil extract and assessed its antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Coconut oil is widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, particularly its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins, which may contribute to its antimicrobial effects. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed observable zones of inhibition for all tested microorganisms. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Candida albicans (16 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (14 mm). However, conventional antibiotics and antifungal agents such as gentamicin and fluconazole exhibited greater inhibitory effects. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 6.25% to 12.5% (v/v), while minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations ranged from 12.5% to 25% (v/v). The findings demonstrate that coconut oil possesses moderate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and may serve as a natural complementary therapeutic agent, particularly for mild or topical infections.
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