Antibacterial activities of crude hydroethanolic extracts of Duguetia confinis(Annonaceae) bark on strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

The emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in recent years poses a significant global health threat. Pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), are increasingly difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Duguetia confinis bark against S. aureus and E. coli. The results revealed that the D. confinis extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Saureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL. However, the extract was less effective against E. coli, with an MIC of 0.625 mg/mL. These results suggest that D. confinis could serve as a potential source of new antibacterial agents, especially against S. aureus infections.
While ofloxacin, a reference antibiotic, showed much lower MIC values, the activity of D. confinis at relatively low concentrations indicates its potential as a complementary treatment or in synergistic combinations with existing antibiotics. Further research is needed to identify the specific active compounds within the extract, evaluate their in
vivo efficacy and toxicity, and explore potential synergies with other antibiotics.

Keywords: Duguetia confinis, Antibacterial activity, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration