Evaluation of Antibacterial and Phytochemical Properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) on Bacteria Associated with Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and are often caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. With the increasing antibiotic resistance, there is a growing interest in exploring plant-based alternatives for antimicrobial therapy. Bryophyllum pinnatum, a medical plant known for its broad pharmacological properties, has been traditionally used for treating infections and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and phytochemical properties of Bryophyllum pinnatum extracts on bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections. A total of four hundred and seventy three (473) urine samples were obtained from patients attending selected Government hospitals in Akure, Ondo-State. The isolation of bacterial organisms were performed using standard microbiological methods. Phytochemical screening was conducted using methanol, ethanol, hot water, and aqueous extracts of the plant. The results revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, phlobatannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in the extracts. Among the extracts, the aqueous extract exhibited the highest percentage yield at 32.17%, followed by the hot water extract at 27.23%. In contrast, methanol and ethanol extracts had lower yields of 12.36% and 12.59%, respectively. The antibacterial efficacy of the extracts was strain-dependent; specific bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus mirabilis, demonstrated greater susceptibility to the extracts, resulting in larger inhibition zones. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against selected bacterial strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 25 mg/ml to 400 mg/ml. Notably, the methanol and hot water extracts displayed significant activity against Enterobacter aerogenes and E. coli at a 25 mg/ml concentration. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 200 mg/ml to 400 mg/ml, with the methanol extract showing the strongest bactericidal effect. Ethanol and methanol extracts produced the largest inhibition zones, measuring 17.5 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 16 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, both at a concentration of 400 mg/ml. Lower concentrations (50 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml) exhibited minimal inhibitory effects. The ethanol extract demonstrated moderate antimicrobial properties, with inhibition zones varying from approximately 5 mm to 17 mm, suggesting that this solvent is effective for extracting antibacterial compounds from the plant. These findings highlight the potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum extracts as promising antimicrobial agents against resistant bacterial strains.