ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF BRYOPHYLLUM PINNATUM LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST COMMON PATHOGENIC BACTERIA: A COMPARATIVE IN VITRO STUDY

S. Justin Raj*, Angel R. J.

The development of germs that are resistant to several drugs has made it necessary to investigate novel, safe, and efficient antimicrobials derived from natural sources. In traditional medicine, Bryophyllum pinnatum, a commonly used medicinal herb, has showed potential. This study examines the antibacterial efficacy of B. pinnatum leaf solvent extracts (acetone, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) against four pathogenic bacteria: Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. To evaluate antibacterial efficacy, zones of inhibition were evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The strongest inhibitory activity was shown by acetone and aqueous extracts, especially against S. typhi and E. coli. These results point to B. pinnatum's potential as a natural antibacterial agent and validate its ethnomedical claims.