Comparative Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity of N-Hexane Leaf Extract of Jatropha curcas and Selected Standard Antibiotics Against Bacterial Pathogens

Jatropha curcas is used in medicine to cure various ailments in Africa. This study investigates the antibacterial potential of the n-hexane leaf extract of Jatropha curcas in comparison to standard antibiotics. Leaves were collected, air-dried, and ground into powder. One hundred and fifty grams (150g) sample were extracted with 450ml of n-hexane, and the crude extract was stored at -4°C. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and other bioactive compounds. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi. The inhibition zones ranged from 7.5 mm to 31.5 mm, with the highest recorded for K. pneumoniae (31.5 mm). The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent activity, outperforming standard antibiotics in some cases. The extract exhibited a 22.5 mm inhibition zone against E. coli at 250 mg/ml, compared to 8 mm for ceftriaxone-sulbactam. Similarly, against K. pneumoniae, the extract at 500 mg/ml showed a 23 mm inhibition zone, exceeding gentamycin's 20 mm. Statistical analysis confirmed these effects as significant (p < 0.05). This study highlights the potential of Jatropha curcas as a natural antibacterial agent, offering a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens.