Evaluation of Antimicrobial Property and Phytochemicals of Local Phyllanthus niruri Plant

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Main Author: Ghazali M.Y.; Tarmizi N.H.; Yusof H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85207877723&doi=10.47836%2fmjmhs.20.4.4&partnerID=40&md5=2762125db3fed694c07d9c44fd22c19f

Introduction: Employing natural plants as antibacterial agents is one strategy for combating the challenges of drug-resistant microorganisms. This research examines the antibacterial activity of methanolic Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) plant extract against Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), as well as its phytochemical components. Materials and methods: The antibacterial activity was evaluated utilising agar well diffusion, broth microdilution, and the streaking technique. The phytochemical compounds were identified via qualitative testing. Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) revealed that the mean inhibition zone ranged between 48.00 mm and 9.33 mm. P. acnes had the highest level of inhibition (48.00±1.00 mm), whereas E. coli had the lowest (9.33±0.58 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) suggested a concentration range between 1.95 mg/ml and 125 mg/ml. The extract’s antibacterial activity indicated that gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the plant extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, tannins, saponins, and steroids. Conclusion: The findings of this investigation indicate that P. niruri extract might serve as a source of antibacterial agent in the development of alternative antibiotic medication. © 2024 Universiti Putra Malaysia Press. All rights reserved.