ANTI-PSEUDOMONAS ACTIVITY OF THE 70% ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM LEAVES AND TRUNK BARK OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) AGAINST MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA

Like other members of the Anacardiaceae family, Spondias mombin is widely used in traditional medicine in Côte d’Ivoire and Congo where it is regarded as a true panacea to treat various conditions, including fever, spasms, hemorrhages, urinary retention, seizures, chickenpox, and candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Pseudomonas potential of 70% ethanolic extracts from the plant's leaves and bark against multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Strain susceptibility was assessed using the agar diffusion method, while antibacterial parameters were quantified via broth macrodilution. Finally, qualitative analysis using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on the extracts to identify their phytoconstituents. The results reveal a remarkable effect on bacterial growth, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 19.33 ± 1.0 to 14.85 ± 0.9 mm for the leaves, and from 18.51 ± 1.6 to 15.00 ± 1.6 mm for the bark. The leaf extract demonstrated a bactericidal effect against 100% of the strains, compared to 62.5% for the bark extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthrones, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins, coumarins, saponins, anthraquinones, and terpenes; these compounds appear to be more concentrated in the leaves. This study provides a scientific basis for the traditional uses of Spondias mombin and contributes to the fight against bacterial resistance, a major public health threat. He also highlights the urgent need for the rational and sustainable use of medicinal plants to safeguard plant biodiversity in Côte d'Ivoire.