PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SODOM APPLE (CALOTROPIS PROCERA)
Abstract
Calotropis procera (Sodom Apple) is a widely distributed shrub with traditional medicinal uses across tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its historical use for treating various ailments, scientific validation of its antibacterial properties remains limited. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical screening of Calotropis procera and evaluate its antibacterial activity against selected bacterial pathogens. The objectives include identifying key phytochemicals, assessing antibacterial efficacy, and correlating phytochemical presence with antibacterial activity. Fresh plant samples of Calotropis procera were collected from designated areas in Nigeria. Phytochemical screening was performed to detect the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was evaluated using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. The extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with notable inhibition zones and low MIC values for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial efficacy was positively correlated with the concentration of specific phytochemicals. The findings confirm the traditional use of Calotropis procera in treating infections and provide scientific evidence of its antibacterial properties. The phytochemical components identified in this study may contribute to its antimicrobial activity, offering a potential natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics. Further research is recommended to isolate and characterize the active compounds and explore their mechanisms of action.
Keywords: Calotropis procera, Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial Activity, Sodom Apple, Natural Antibiotics, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
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