PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 610-616
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0380
Evaluation of Antimicrobial potentials of Leaf Extracts of Ludwigia abyssinica on Multi-Drug-Resistant Microorganisms
Chidimma R. Chukwunwejim1, Chinenye H. Nedum2*, Ijeoma N. Ebenebe1, Goodness M. Nwanaeri1, Treasure N. Ujam3, Jane I. Ugochukwu3, Chukwunonso Onwuzuluigbo4.
1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2Department of Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
3Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Sciences and Technology, Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria.
4Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance has threatened the effective treatment of bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoan diseases, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, difficult patient treatment, and increased mortality rates. The natural bioactive metabolites of the medicinal plant Ludwigia abyssinica could be a solution as leaf extracts showed promising antimicrobial activity against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.
Method: The leaves were harvested and extracted by microwave-assisted extraction with 50% methanol. The extract solution was concentrated using a water bath to obtain the crude extract. The phytochemical proper-ties of the extract were determined using standard procedures; and its antimicrobial activity against the test or-ganisms was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, with results recorded as Inhibition Zone Diameter (IZD; mm). To determine the lowest concentration of the extract with activity against the organisms, the agar dilution method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the extract for each organism.
Results: The extract showed activity with IZDs within the range of 5-9 mm. Both bacteria showed activity only at higher concentrations of the extract, while Ciprofloxacin (positive control) showed no activity against the tested bacterial isolates; whereas Miconazole was effective against C. albicans. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans are 250 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml, and 6.25 mg/ml respectively.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of leaves of Ludwigia abyssinica has bioactive metabolites and is active against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans.
Keywords: Ludwigia abyssinica, Antimicrobial, Microorganism, Resistance, Alternative medicine