Antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of Sutherlandia frutescens against Shigella flexneri

Nokwanda Silindile Hlela; Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele; Kegomoditswe Prudence  Mathobela

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1630

Authors

Nokwanda Silindile Hlela Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa.
Dr Nhlanhla Wiseman Nsele Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa.
Kegomoditswe Prudence Mathobela Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i3.1630

Keywords:

Aqueous extract, Sutherlandia frutescens, Antimicrobial activity, Shigella flexneri, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

Abstract

Background: Shigella flexneri is a highly infectious bacterium responsible for gastrointestinal infections and has developed alarming levels of antibiotic resistance over the years. It particularly poses a threat in developing countries. Traditional medicinal plants offer potential alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapies.

Aim: To investigate the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Sutherlandia frutescens against Shigella flexneri.

Setting: This laboratory-based study was conducted in a controlled environment at the Mangosuthu University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kwa- Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Methods: Aqueous extract of Sutherlandia frutescens was prepared using standard methods. The extract was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer Antimicrobial Sensitivity, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays.

Results: Sutherlandia frutescens aqueous extract demonstrated statistically significant antimicrobial activity against Shigella flexneri with p-values less than 0.05. The aqueous extract showed moderate activity with a high MIC (1.56 mg/ml) and equivalent MBC (1.56 mg/ml) values suggesting balanced bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity.

Conclusion: The findings of the study show that S. frutescens exhibits promising antimicrobial activity against Shigella flexneri, supporting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent for treating gastrointestinal infections.

Keywords: Aqueous extract, Sutherlandia frutescens, Antimicrobial, Shigella flexneri, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration.

Author Biography

Nokwanda Silindile Hlela, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Durban, South Africa.

Ms Hlela has recently completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHS) in Medical Laboratory Science from the Mangosuthu University of Technology. She has a strong interest in clinical diagnostics, microbiology, and laboratory research. She is passionate about advancing healthcare through laboratory science and is eager to contribute to the field through research and professional practice. Her academic background has equipped her with expertise in diagnostic techniques, quality assurance, and biomedical investigations. She looks forward to furthering her knowledge and making a meaningful impact in medical laboratory science.

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