Phytochemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Cyperus kyllingia Root Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has been a global concern which prompted the need to look for effective and safer natural alternatives as a potential source of novel drugs to treat infections. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Cyperus kyllingia aqueous (CkA), chloroform (CkC), and methanol (CkM) root extracts. Phytochemical screening was done to assess for secondary metabolites present while disk diffusion technique was followed to evaluate the extracts’ antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results showed that alkaloids and phlobatannins were present in CkA, CkC, and CkM extracts. Terpenoids were detected in CkA and CkC, while tannins, steroids, flavonoids, and volatile oils were present in CkC and CkM extracts. S. aureus was found to be more susceptible to CkM at 100 mg ml-1 concentration with a mean inhibition zone of 18.33±1.53. However, CkA (14.67±4.93) and CkC (14.67±2.89) showed slight inhibitory activity against the bacteria at the same concentration. The little inhibitory effect was also observed for CkC (14.33±2.08), CkM (14.33±4.04), and CkA (14.33±4.93) extracts against E. coli. The overall result of this study suggests that the root extracts of C. kyllingia have the potential in suppressing bacterial growth recommending that further studies be done on the plant’s bioactive constituents that may have the potential in combating drug-resistant bacteria.