Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Jatropha Curcas and Ganoderma Lucidum Against Selected Pathogsens

ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities of Ganoderma lucidum and Jatropha curcas against selected pathogens. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in both species, though their concentrations varied. Ganoderma lucidum exhibited higher levels of phenols (11.33 mg/ml), terpenoids (2.34 mg/ml), and saponins (2.18 mg/ml), while Jatropha curcas demonstrated higher flavonoid content (4.40 mg/ml). Antimicrobial tests using aqueous, ethanol, and methanol extracts revealed significant variability in activity.
Methanolic extracts of Ganoderma lucidum displayed potent activity, with inhibition zones of up to 23 mm against Staphylococcus and 19 mm against Proteus at 100 mg/ml. Ethanol extracts showed moderate efficacy, particularly against E. coli (20 mm) and Streptococcus (19 mm). Jatropha curcas extracts were most effective when methanol-based, with inhibition zones of up to 26 mm against Staphylococcus and 24 mm against Klebsiella. The aqueous extracts of both plants exhibited minimal activity.
The results align with previous studies indicating that methanol is an effective solvent for extracting antimicrobial compounds. The superior activity of Ganoderma lucidum phenolic and terpenoid content correlates with its pronounced effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Similarly, the high flavonoid content in Jatropha curcas supports its antimicrobial efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of these plants as sources of bioactive compounds for developing alternative antimicrobial therapies.