Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Successive Extracts of Diodia scandens Aerial Parts Collected from Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Diodia scandens is known to be used in traditional medicine; however, the antimicrobial activity is not well studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytoconstituents and antimicrobial activity of the successive solvent extracts of the aerial parts of D. scandens. Dried and powdered aerial parts were used for successive maceration with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol solvents. Phytoconstituents were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, while the antimicrobial activity was tested against the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MMC were also tested for the extracts. Phytoconstituents identified in the extracts included alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest antimicrobial potency, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 mg/mL against S. aureus and 1.56 mg/mL against C. albicans. In contrast, the ethanol extract showed limited antimicrobial activity (MIC > 50 mg/mL). These findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of D. scandens exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential. Further research is needed to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, which could contribute to the development of new therapeutic agents.