Antimicrobial Properties of Leaf, Bark, and Root Extracts of Durian (Durio zibethinus) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Eris Gabrielle S. Ramos, Isaac John S. Tan, Justin Nicholas C. Tenazas
Philippine Science High School - Main Campus, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Avenue (formerly Agham Road), Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Publication date: May 31, 2025
Philippine Science High School - Main Campus, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago Avenue (formerly Agham Road), Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Publication date: May 31, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I19
ABSTRACT
Nosocomial infections, commonly known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), remain a critical public health concern, with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being prevalent pathogens in Southeast Asia. Durio zibethinus, locally known as Durian and traditionally utilized for its medicinal properties, has been highlighted as a potential source of novel treatments by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of D. zibethinus leaf, stem bark, and root bark ethanolic extracts against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol was performed to obtain crude extracts, followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and diterpenes, all proven to exhibit substantial antimicrobial activity. However, the extracts produced no significant zones of inhibition against either pathogen and broth microdilution results showed minimum inhibitory concentration to be greater than the tested range of 31.25-1000 μg/mL. While D. zibethinus extracts do contain phytochemicals that may be studied further for potential antimicrobial activity, their efficacy against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is negligible under current experimental conditions. Future studies should consider purification of crude extracts, isolation and characterization of target compounds, and selection of less volatile solvents for extraction and reconstitution.
Nosocomial infections, commonly known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), remain a critical public health concern, with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being prevalent pathogens in Southeast Asia. Durio zibethinus, locally known as Durian and traditionally utilized for its medicinal properties, has been highlighted as a potential source of novel treatments by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of D. zibethinus leaf, stem bark, and root bark ethanolic extracts against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol was performed to obtain crude extracts, followed by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and diterpenes, all proven to exhibit substantial antimicrobial activity. However, the extracts produced no significant zones of inhibition against either pathogen and broth microdilution results showed minimum inhibitory concentration to be greater than the tested range of 31.25-1000 μg/mL. While D. zibethinus extracts do contain phytochemicals that may be studied further for potential antimicrobial activity, their efficacy against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is negligible under current experimental conditions. Future studies should consider purification of crude extracts, isolation and characterization of target compounds, and selection of less volatile solvents for extraction and reconstitution.
