PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF FLUTED PUMPKIN LEAVES (TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS)

ABSTRACT The increasing global challenge of antibiotic resistance has necessitated the search for alternative antimicrobial agents from natural sources. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) leaf extracts against selected pathogenic bacteria. Fresh leaves of T. occidentalis were collected from Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, authenticated, dried, and extracted using methanol and distilled water as solvents. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the methanolic extract, while the aqueous extract contained all these compounds except terpenoids. The methanolic extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity at concentrations ranging from 62.5 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL. At the highest concentration (500 mg/mL), zones of inhibition of 15 mm, 11 mm, and 18 mm were recorded against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhi respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 250 mg/mL for S. aureus, 62.5 mg/mL for E. coli, and 500 mg/mL for S. typhi, while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were 500 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, and 500 mg/mL respectively, indicating bacteriostatic action. When compared to N-gentamicin (positive control), the methanolic extract exhibited 57.69%, 45.8%, and 72% relative antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. typhi respectively. The study provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of T. occidentalis for treating bacterial infections and demonstrates its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents. The broad-spectrum activity observed, particularly the high efficacy against S. typhi, suggests potential application in treating gastrointestinal infections. However, further research including isolation of active compounds, in vivo studies, and toxicity assessments are recommended before clinical applications.