ANTIBACTERIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY ASSESSMENT OF FRESH CHROMOLAENA ODORATA LEAF EXTRACT

Chromolaena odorata, commonly known as the "marasili" plant, has been recognized for its potential antibacterial properties, particularly in its crude extract form. This study evaluates the antibacterial susceptibility of fresh C. odorata leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus using the agar well diffusion method. Three replicates across three different concentrations were tested. Results showed no observable zone of inhibition in all trials, indicating that the fresh extract lacks significant antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. These findings contrast with previous studies demonstrating that crude extracts of C. odorata exhibit notable antibacterial effects, likely due to the higher concentration of bioactive compounds achieved through solvent extraction. The absence of inhibition in the fresh extract suggests that the method of extraction significantly influences the plant’s antibacterial efficacy. Further research is recommended to optimize extraction techniques for maximizing the antimicrobial potential of C. odorata.