ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ETHYL-ACETATE AND N-HEXANE EXTRACTS OF GINGER AND CARROT AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS SPP. ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS IN KWASU-CLINIC

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp. necessitates the search for plant-based alternatives. This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Daucus carota (carrot) against Pseudomonas spp. isolated from patients at the KWASU University Clinic. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to most β-lactams and macrolides, including Augmentin (4 ± 0.5 mm), Ampiclox (4 ± 0.5 mm), and Azithromycin (3 ± 0.5 mm), with moderate effects from Gentamycin and Cefotaxime (12 ± 0.5 mm). Fluoroquinolones were most effective, particularly Pefloxacin (20 ± 0.5 mm). Plant extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, with ginger showing stronger activity than carrots. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions produced larger inhibition zones (up to 19 mm), while ethanol extracts were less potent. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranged from 25–100 mg/mL for ginger and 50–200 mg/mL for carrot, and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) confirmed bactericidal potential at slightly higher concentrations. GC-MS profiling identified major bioactive compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone in ginger, and carotol and falcarinol in carrot, which are known for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, ginger and carrot extracts exhibit promising antibacterial potential against MDR Pseudomonas spp., with ginger being more effective. Their phytochemical composition supports their ethnomedicinal use and suggests possible roles as complementary or alternative therapies. Further in vivo validation and synergy studies with conventional antibiotics are recommended.