Antibacterial Activity and Qualitative Phytochemical Constituents of the Ethyl acetate Extract of Cleome viscosa against selected Skin Disease-Causing Bacteria

Abstract

Skin infections caused by bacteria and other pathogens remain a major global health concern, worsened by the rising resistance of microorganisms to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and qualitative phytochemical constituents of the ethyl acetate whole plants extract of Cleome viscosa against selected skin disease-causing bacteria. Antibacterial activity was assessed at extract concentrations of 200, 300, and 400 mg/mL using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined, while qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify major classes of secondary metabolites. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At 400 mg/mL, inhibition zones of 11.00 ± 1.00 mm and 9.50 ± 0.50 mm were recorded against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. At 200 mg/mL, the corresponding inhibition zones decreased to 7.50 ± 0.50 mm and 6.50 ± 0.50 mm. The MIC of the extract against S. aureus was reported as 200 mg/mL, whereas the MIC and MBC endpoints for P. aeruginosa were not determined under the conditions tested. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. These findings demonstrate preliminary in vitro antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate extract of C. viscosa, Further studies are required to characterize the active constituents and evaluate safety before the extract can be considered for topical antimicrobial development.