Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Ziziphusjujuba Leaf Extracts against Streptococcus pneumonia and Salmonella species

Abstract

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study explores the antibacterial properties of Ziziphus jujuba leaf extracts against clinically significant pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella species. By demonstrating potent antibacterial activity and determining precise MIC and MBC values, the research provides critical evidence supporting the traditional use of Ziziphus jujuba as a medicinal plant. The findings suggest that Ziziphus jujuba leaf extracts could serve as a promising source for developing new antibacterial agents targeting these pathogens. Full Abstract Ziziphus jujuba is a common medicinal plant traditionally utilised in tropical and subtropical regions for its various biological functions, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiarrheal properties. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of Ziziphus jujuba leaf extracts against clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumonia and Salmonella species using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening, Minimum Inhibitory, and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration Assays (MIC/MBC) were also carried out using standard procedures. The results of phytochemical screening showed that tannins, phenols, saponins, quinines, terpenoids, and steroids were present in ethanolic extract. Similarly, Tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids, phytosteroids, and terpenoids were present in aqueous extract. Salmonella species were sensitive to the aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 500 and 125 mg/mL, respectively, compared to the 250 and 125mg/mL obtained against Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively. The MIC values of the ethanolic extract were 62.5 and 125 mg/mL for Salmonella species and Streptococcus pneumoniae, while the aqueous extract exhibited MIC values of 62.5 and 125mg/mL for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella species, respectively. Regarding the MBC values, 125 and 62.5 mg/mL were obtained for the aqueous extract against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella species, compared to the 62.5 and 125 mg/mL for the aqueous extract. The antibacterial activity exerted by the extract against the test isolates suggests that Ziziphusjujuba leaf can be explored as a source of effective antibacterial medications targeting the test bacteria.