Antimicrobial properties of musa paradisiaca peel extract against selected bacteria

• Main Authors: Cheng, Ervin John C., Gole Cruz, Anna Katrina G.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Plantain banana; Anti-infective agents; Plant extracts; Bacteria; Plant Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/87
• Institution: De La Salle University

Musa paradisiaca, commonly known as plantain, is a plant that has been traditionally used across continents to treat a wide range of health disorders. However, the global rise of antimicrobial resistance, primarily caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, poses a significant threat to public health. The horizontal acquisition of mecA gene in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and ESBL enzyme-coding genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) has led to the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae, respectively. Despite numerous studies documenting the medicinal properties of M. paradisiaca, research into its antimicrobial activity against emerging multidrug-resistant strains remains limited. Hence, this study aimed to address this gap. The objectives of the study included assessing the antimicrobial properties of M. paradisiaca peel extract against selected bacteria using the paper-disc and spot plate methods, as well as evaluating its effects at different concentrations by observing the presence of zones of inhibition. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the absence of specific bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, known for their potent antimicrobial activity. Hence, the different concentrations of the extract demonstrated no antimicrobial activity, highlighting the importance of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which contribute to their antimicrobial efficacy and medicinal value. The researchers identified several factors that hindered the expression of the extract. These include low extract concentration, insufficient extraction period, and poor quality of the sample. Overall, the study has provided valuable insights into the various medicinal properties of M. paradisiaca, discussed how antimicrobial-resistant strains respond to and evade its effects, and presented recommendations for future antimicrobial research and practical applications, like conducting further investigation to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the extract and exploring potential synergies with other natural antimicrobial agents or antibiotics to enhance its overall effectiveness.