Characterization of the Ethanolic Extract of Tridax Procumbens Leaf Powder, and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Properties of the Topical Ethanolic Extract Formulation

ABSTRACT: The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens leaves, known traditionally for wound healing, was characterized through photomicrography, FTIR, pH measurement, phytochemical screening, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This extract was formulated into a topical ointment and evaluated for its antimicrobial activity in comparison to gentamicin. The results were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Tridax procumbens leaves were washed, shade-dried and ground into powder, which was then extracted using 99.9% ethanol (TPEt). TPEt was characterized using photomicrography, FTIR, pH, phytochemical screening and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Ointment containing 11.8%w/w TPEt was prepared using the fusion method (TrOt) and evaluated for homogeneity, colour, pH, spreadability, viscosity, antimicrobial susceptibility, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. TPEt, exhibited dark patches composed of round (90.12±0.17µm) and irregular (180.12±1.06µm) particles. FTIR analysis revealed O-H stretching peaks around 3300-3500cm⁻¹, with aliphatic alkanes and methylene groups at 2850 cm⁻¹ and 1456 cm⁻¹. TPEt had a pH of 5.87, contained alkaloids, cardenolides and flavonoids, but lacked anthraquinones, saponins and tannins. It inhibited Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibition zones ranging from 12.5 to 50.0 mg/mL. TrOt appeared as a smooth dark brown substance with a spreadability of 2.5cm in 10 seconds under 200g load, pH of 5.7, pseudoplastic flow behavior, and exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus species at 6.25 mg/mL and 6.72 mg/mL, respectively, comparable to gentamycin ointment. The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens leaves and its ointment demonstrated comparable antimicrobial activity. The ointment displayed favorable physicochemical properties, including good flow and compatibility with skin.