In Vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Crude Leaf Extracts from Catharanthus roseus: A Natural Therapeutic Prospect

Catharanthus roseus, which is commonly called Nayantara, is a member of the Apocynaceae family. Traditional medicine has long used it to treat a variety of conditions, including microbial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial qualities of C. roseus leaf extracts against a variety of common microorganisms. Using a conventional procedure, C. roseus leaf extracts were made with ethanol, methanol, and water. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was then conducted. Extracts from the leaves of C. roseus were examined for their antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli. Alkaloids and phenolic compounds, among other medicinal substances, were detected in the C. roseus leaf extracts according to a phytochemical test. All three extracts exhibited the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli. The lowest antibacterial activity was noted in the ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of C. roseus against P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and S. aureus, respectively. The leaf of C. roseus has great promise as a source of bioactive chemicals with considerable health advantages, even though it is a byproduct. These findings open doors to customized extraction methods and the exploration of other parts of C. roseus for broader health applications, offering a sustainable pathway for drug discovery that harnesses natural resources to promote both global health and environmental well-being.