Crescentia cujete Leaves Extract: A Source of Bioactive Compounds for the Development of Antibacterial Agents

This study focused on the phytochemical screening and antibacterial analysis of Crescentia cujete leaves extract, a plant widely used in traditional medicine. The leaves were extracted using ethanol through maceration, and the crude extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening and antibacterial testing against some selected bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Shigella). The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and cardiac glycosides with carbohydrates and proteins,, while anthraquinones were absent. The antibacterial activity results showed that the extract exhibited inhibitory effects against the tested bacteria, with zones of inhibition ranging between 0.40 mm and 1.95 mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) demonstrated sensitivity of S. aureus and B. subtilis at higher concentrations, while E. coli and Shigella were comparatively more resistant. Similarly, the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results revealed that bactericidal activity varied with bacterial type and concentration, indicating both bacteriostatic and bactericidal potentials of the extract. The findings validate the ethnomedicinal use of Crescentia cujete leaves and highlight their potential as a source of natural antibacterial agents.