ANTIPLASMODIUM AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM FICUS EXASPERATA LEAF

Ficus exasperata is a plant species known for its medicinal properties and is traditionally used in African folk medicine. In this study, we evaluated the antiplasmodium and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract obtained from Ficus exasperata leaves. The antiplasmodium activity of the extract was assessed against Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. Results indicated that the ethanolic extract exhibited significant antiplasmodium activity, inhibiting the growth of the parasite in vitro. This suggests the potential of Ficus exasperata as a natural alternative for the treatment of malaria, Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the extract was tested against pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. The extract showed promising antibacterial effects against these bacteria, indicating its potential for treating bacterial infections, the concentration E (0.0938mg/ml) for E. Coli display the highest zone of inhibition,while concentration B for Staphylococcus aureus display the highest zone inhibition, Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that the ethanolic extract from Ficus exasperata leaves possesses both antiplasmodium and antibacterial activities, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Further research is warranted to identify the active compounds responsible for these activities and explore their pharmaceutical applications.