Phytochemical Profiling and Integrated In vitro –In vivo Antibacterial Evaluation of Enantia chlorantha Stem Bark Extracts against Clinically Relevant Enteric Pathogens
Keywords:
Enantia chlorantha, enteric infections, antimicrobial resistance, phytochemicals, in vivo antibacterial activityAbstract
The rapid escalation of antimicrobial resistance among enteric pathogens presents a critical global health challenge and necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antibacterial efficacy, safety, and in vivo therapeutic potential of Enantia chlorantha leaf and stem bark extracts against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Crude extracts were prepared using aqueous, ethanol, and n-hexane solvents and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion assays, while minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined by broth dilution methods. Acute toxicity and in vivo antibacterial efficacy were assessed in albino rat models. Phytochemical analysis revealed a significantly higher abundance of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and flavonoids in the stem bark, particularly in the ethanol extract. Correspondingly, the ethanol stem bark extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, producing concentration-dependent inhibition zones comparable to azithromycin and demonstrating bactericidal effects at low concentrations 6.25 and 12.5 mg/ml against E. coli and S. typhi respectively. Acute toxicity studies showed no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a wide safety margin. In vivo treatment resulted in dose-dependent reductions in faecal bacterial loads and rapid normalization of stool consistency, with higher doses achieving bacterial clearance comparable to standard antibiotic therapy. These findings provide robust scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal use of E. chlorantha and highlight its potential as a promising source of alternative antimicrobial agents against enteric infections.
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