Soil Physicochemical Properties, Plant Mineral Contents, Plant Phytochemicals, and Antibacterial Activity of Harungana madagascariensis (Lam. Ex. Poir) Leaf Extracts Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of Harungana madagascariensis leaf extracts against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while considering the soil physicochemical properties, plant mineral contents, and phytochemical composition. Methods. Fresh leaves of H. madagascariensis were collected from two locations in Nigeria and subjected to aqueous and ethanol extraction. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was evaluated against MRSA using the disc diffusion method, and their potency was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Soil samples were also collected from the two locations to analyze their physicochemical properties. Results. The results showed that ethanol leaf extracts exhibited higher inhibitory zones against MRSA compared to aqueous extracts in both locations. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, anthraquinones, and triterpenoids. The MIC and MBC values indicated potent antibacterial activity, with lower concentrations of ethanol extracts showing effective inhibition and killing of MRSA. Soil analysis demonstrated variations in physical and mineral properties between the two locations. Conclusions. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the significant antibacterial potential of H. madagascariensis leaf extracts against MRSA. The findings highlight the importance of extraction methods, phytochemical composition, and soil properties in influencing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts.