Dual Approach Therapy: Assessing Xylopia aethiopica and Ciprofloxacin Synergy against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi

This study investigated the synergistic effect of Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts and Ciprofloxacin against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. The phytochemical analysis of the seed extracts revealed the presence of various bio-active compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated using agar-well diffusion method, and the results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited greater activity (15.50 mm) compared to the aqueous extract (6.50 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of the extracts and their combinations with Ciprofloxacin demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.05) inhibitory and cidal activities. The combination of Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts and Ciprofloxacin exhibited synergistic effects, with the ethanolic extract-Ciprofloxacin combination (EEXA + CPX) showing a zone of inhibition of 24.50 mm and the aqueous extract-Ciprofloxacin combination (AEXA + CPX) showing a zone of inhibition of 21.00 mm. These findings suggest that the combination of Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts and Ciprofloxacin may be a more effective approach in managing typhoid fever than monotherapy. The study highlights the potential of Xylopia aethiopica seed extracts as a complementary therapy for typhoid fever. The synergistic effect of the extracts with Ciprofloxacin suggests that this combination could be explored further as a treatment option. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of good sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing typhoid fever.