Antimicrobial Activities, phytochemical composition and thin layer chromatography profile of Gossypium hirsutum and Abelmoschus esculentus leaves extracts

Abstract

Background: This study evaluates the antimicrobial activities, phytochemical composition, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) profile of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Gossypium hirsutum L. and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

Aims: The objective is to investigate the phytochemical constituents and assess the antimicrobial efficacy of these plant extracts against various pathogenic microorganisms.

Methods: Leaves were collected, identified, air-dried, and powdered. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared and subjected to TLC analysis using silica gel plates and a mobile phase of ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate (5:3:2). Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard protocols. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Candida spp.

Results: TLC analysis revealed seven compounds in G. hirsutum and six in Abelmoschus esculentus with distinct Rf values. Phytochemical screening identified phenols/tannins, saponins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, terpenoids, and anthraquinones in G. hirsutum, while A. esculentus contained all tested phytochemicals except phytosterol and essential oil. The antimicrobial assay indicated that ethanolic extracts of both plants exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with G. hirsutum showing higher efficacy. Ethanolic extracts of G. hirsutum inhibited S. aureus and S. typhi effectively, while aqueous extracts showed limited activity. Extracts of A. esculentus leaves inhibited all tested organisms except Proteus, with ethanol extracts also ineffective against S. pneumoniae.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that ethanolic extracts of G. hirsutum and A. esculentus possess antimicrobial properties. These findings support the potential use of these plant extracts in developing natural antimicrobial agents.