Antibacterial efficacy and phytochemical properties of the bark extract of <em>Connarus monocarpus</em> (Fam: Connaraceae)

Abstract

The Connaraceae family encompasses various plant species known for their antimicrobial properties found in their bark, leaves, and roots. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial properties of Connarus monocarpus (L), a member of the Connaraceae family found in Sri Lanka which is traditionally used for therapeutic wound healing. The active phytochemicals were extracted from the barks, using the reflux method employed in an aqueous medium. The antimicrobial properties of plant extract were assessed using the disk (well) diffusion agar method against four common pathogens; Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus. Controls were run with double distilled water. All procedures were performed in accordance with aseptic methods. The diameter of inhibition zones was observed after the incubation period and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the mean values of the control and bark extraction for Staphylococcus aureus (p≤0.001), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p≤0.001), Proteus mirabilis (p≤0.001), Enterococcus (p≤0.001); revealing the antibacterial activity of the plant extract. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in antimicrobial activity among the four microbes according to the One-Way ANOVA test (p≤0.0001). The Connarus monocarpus plant’s antibacterial activity is supported by the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenol and tannins, which showed combination effects. The present findings highlight the potential of Connarus monocarpus bark extract as a valuable source of antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation to elucidate its specific mechanisms of action and potential applications in the field of microbial control.