COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ROOTS, BARKS AND LEAVES OF JATROPHA MULTIFIDA, JATROPHA CURCAS AND ZANTHOXYLUM ZANTHOXYLOIDES

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue. This study compares the antibacterial activity of leaves, bark, and roots of Jatropha curcas, Jatropha multifida, and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides. Extracts (water, ethanolic, and hydro-ethanolic) were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH test. Polyphenol and flavonoid levels were quantified spectrophotometrically.Hydro-ethanolic extracts of J. multifida bark and Z. zanthoxyloides leaves showed strong activity against K. pneumoniae (MIC, MBC: 6.25mg for J. curcas, J. multifida 3.12mg for Z. zanthoxyloides). Against S. aureus, the best were J. curcas, J.multifida (3.12mg), and Z. zanthoxyloides(1.5mg). Leaves and bark were richer in flavonoids and polyphenols (p=0.001) and exhibited superior antioxidant activity. Using leaves and bark over roots enhances sustainability.