PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PAWPAW LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACT AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial efficacy of aqueous extracts of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaves against two common pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides, which are known for their potential medicinal properties. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method to determine the inhibitory effects of the extract on the growth of S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative). Results revealed that pawpaw leaf extract contains a rich profile of phytochemicals and exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against both bacterial strains, with varying levels of inhibition. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of pawpaw leaves possesses potential as a natural alternative for managing infections caused by these pathogens, offering a promising avenue for the development of plant-based antimicrobial agents.
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