EFFECT OF MELOTHRIA SPHAEROCARPA AND SESAMUM INDICUM OIL EXTRACTS ON ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA.
Abstract
Abstract
Plants have long been valued for their medicinal and nutritional properties, with many species playing significant roles in traditional medicine and dietary practices. Among these, Melothria sphaerocarpa and Sesamum indicum are known for their bioactive compounds, which may offer antimicrobial and nutritional benefits. This study explored their phytochemical composition, proximate analysis, antimicrobial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility to assess their potential applications. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins in both plant samples. However, Sesamum indicum exhibited higher concentrations of alkaloids and saponins compared to Melothria sphaerocarpa. Proximate analysis indicated that Sesamum indicum contained higher levels of protein, fat, and energy content, whereas Melothria sphaerocarpa was richer in fiber and carbohydrates. These differences highlight their distinct nutritional profiles and potential dietary benefits. In terms of antimicrobial activity, Sesamum indicum oil extract demonstrated greater effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, while Melothria sphaerocarpa exhibited moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholerae. Antibiotic susceptibility testing further revealed variations in bacterial resistance and susceptibility, with ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, and levofloxacin displaying the highest efficacy. These findings suggest that both plants contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial potential and valuable nutritional properties. Their use in traditional medicine is supported by these results, and further research is recommended to explore their pharmaceutical applications, monitor antibiotic resistance trends, and assess their dietary contributions.
Keywords:
Melothria sphaerocarpa, Sesamum indicum, phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, bioactive compounds, traditional medicine, proximate analysis
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.