1MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN DRUG DISCOVERRY
Abstract
The results obtained from this study demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa
Contains several important phytochemical constituents that contribute significantly to its
antibacterial activity. The presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and saponins
provides scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of the plant in the treatment of
microbial infections.
The observed antibacterial activity was concentration-dependent, with higher extract
concentrations producing greater zones of inhibition. The greater susceptibility of Saphylococcus
aureus compared to the Gram-negative organisms may be attributed to differences in cell wall
structure, as Gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that limits the penetration of
antimicrobial agents.
Based on the findings, it can be concluded that Hibiscus sabdariffai s a promising natural source of
antibacterial agents and has potential for development into plant-based antimicrobial formulations.
However, its effectiveness is dependent on concentration, extraction method, and the type of
microorganism involved
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