Exploring the Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Potential of Leaf Extracts from Megaphrynium macrostachyum

Abstract

Background:   Medicinal plants offer a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds, placing them as a compelling avenue for novel drug exploration. In recent times, the emphasis on harnessing natural products sourced from medicinal plants has escalated due to their diminished adverse effects, economic viability, and efficacy against a broad spectrum of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The aim of this investigation was to scrutinize the phytochemical constitution and antimicrobial efficacy inherent to Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves.

Methods:   Three distinct solvents – ethanol, water-ethanol, and water – were employed to extract the diverse range of phytochemicals housed within the leaves. Subsequently, the extracted compounds were subjected to assessment for their antimicrobial potential against both bacteria and fungi, which were isolated from various samples. This evaluation was executed employing the agar well diffusion method. Results:   The qualitative analysis of phytochemical components unveiled the substantial presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, while a relatively lower occurrence of steroids was observed across the different leaf extracts. Further quantitative analysis showed that the most potent extract exhibited elevated phenolic content (2.400 mg/ml), closely trailed by flavonoids (1.995 mg/ml) and saponins (1.909 mg/ml). This study furnishes compelling proof of the efficacy encompassed within Megaphrynium macrostachyum leaves, particularly concerning their proficiency against both fungi and bacteria.

Conclusion:   As such, it adds momentum to the accumulating body of knowledge concerning the exploitation of natural medicinal plants, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic interventions.