Synergistic Antimicrobial Effect of the Leaf Methanol Extract of Cissampelos Mucronata and Standard Antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Fluconazole)

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial potential of methanolic leaf extract of Cissampelos mucronata. Fresh leaves were collected, authenticated, dried, and extracted using 95% methanol. Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity were done using standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, and anthocyanins, while quantitative analyses confirmed appreciable levels of these bioactive compounds. Antimicrobial activity of the extract (CME) was assessed alone and in combination with standard drugs (ciprofloxacin and fluconazole) against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens using the agar dilution method. Results showed that 100% CME inhibited microbial growth at concentrations of 8–10 mg/ml. Notably, combinations of CME with antimicrobial agents enhanced efficacy: the 50% CME formulation showed inhibition at 3–5 mg/ml, while the 25% CME combination achieved inhibition at 1–3 mg/ml, indicating possible synergistic effects. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations further supported these findings. The observed antimicrobial activity is attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. In conclusion, the leaves of Cissampelos mucronata demonstrates significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which are enhanced when combined with conventional drugs, suggesting its potential as an alternative or complementary therapeutic agent in combating antimicrobial resistance