Antimicrobial Potential of Vernonia Amygdalina (bitter Leaf) on Selected Bacterial and Fungi Species

Student: Rashida Lawal (Project, 2025)
Department of Biology
Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium, Candida albicans). Aqueous extracts were prepared from dried leaves and tested using the agar well diffusion method, with Streptomycin as a positive control. Results showed no significant zones of inhibition for any tested organisms, indicating the absence of antimicrobial activity under the experimental conditions. The findings suggest that water may not be an effective solvent for extracting bioactive antimicrobial compounds from Vernonia amygdalina. This study highlights the potential of optimizing extraction methods, such as using ethanol or methanol, to better explore the plant’s pharmacological properties and its application in combating resistant pathogens

Keywords
Vernonia Amygdalina Bitter Leaf Antimicrobial Antibacterial Antifungal Phytochemicals Medicinal Plants Natural Products Bacterial Species Fungal Species Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Zone of Inhibition Antibiotic Resistance Phytotherapy
Filters
Institutions