A Study To Investigate The Antimicrobial Properties Of Senecio Rowleyanus

Abstract

Background: “Senecio rowleyanus (String-of-Pearls) is an ornamental succulent traditionally noted for containing various phytochemicals, yet its potential antibacterial properties remain understudied. Identifying natural plant-based antimicrobial agents is increasingly important due to rising antibiotic resistance. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of S. rowleyanus extracts against selected pathogenic bacteria.”

Methods: “Leaves and stems of S. rowleyanus were collected, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening was performed to detect key bioactive compounds. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using serial dilution.”

Results: “Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids. The methanolic extract showed the highest antibacterial activity, producing the largest inhibition zones particularly against S. aureus. Moderate inhibition was observed against E. coli, while P. aeruginosa exhibited only mild sensitivity. MIC values supported these findings, with the lowest MIC recorded for methanolic extracts against S. aureus.”

Conclusion: “Senecio rowleyanus exhibits promising antibacterial activity, especially in methanolic extracts, likely due to its diverse phytochemical constituents. These results suggest that the plant may serve as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents. Further research involving compound isolation and mechanistic studies is recommended to validate its therapeutic potential.”