Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Hunteria umbellata seeds on selected clinical isolates

Hunteria umbellata, a medicinal plant widely used in African ethnomedicine, is reputed for its broad pharmacological properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Hunteria umbellata seeds (EEHUS) against selected clinical isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The antimicrobial efficacy was determined using agar well diffusion assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) analyses. Results revealed notable antibacterial activity, with Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Enterobacter spp. exhibiting high susceptibility (MIC = 100 mg/mL), while Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio cholerae showed reduced sensitivity (MIC = 200 mg/mL). EEHUS also demonstrated promising antifungal potential, particularly against Candida albicans (MIC = 100 mg/mL, MFC = 150 mg/mL) and Aspergillus niger (MIC = 200 mg/mL, MFC = 300 mg/mL), though Mucor spp. exhibited complete resistance. The findings support the antimicrobial potential of Hunteria umbellata seed extract and validates its traditional usage. However, its limited activity against resistant strains suggests the need for phytochemical optimization and further pharmacological evaluation.