Invitro Evaluation of Bitter Leaf Extract Against Some Fish Bacteria

Student: Omolola Ayoola (Project, 2025)
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

Abstract

This research investigates the antibacterial activity of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract against selected bacterial pathogens isolated from African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The study addresses the growing concern over antibiotic resistance in aquaculture and explores bitter leaf as a natural, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic antibiotics. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Using agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods, the extract exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity. Notably, it showed strong inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and Shigella spp., with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations ranging from 100–200 μg/mL. Salmonella spp., however, was resistant to the extract. These findings suggest that bitter leaf extract holds potential as a sustainable antimicrobial agent in aquaculture, warranting further research and standardization for practical application.

Keywords
invitro evaluation bitter extract against bacteria
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