Investigation of Phytochemicals and Antibacterial Activity of Persicaria odorata (L.) Methanolic Leaf Extract Against Selected Bacteria

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant microorganisms pose serious threats, especially to children from developing countries. Due to this concern, there is a greater need to develop potentially effective antibacterial agents from natural resources. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds of Persicaria odorata (L.) methanolic leaf extract and its antibacterial activity against selected bacteria. Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution were used to test gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and Shigella flexneri). The bacteria were treated with P. odorata (L.) leaves extracted using methanol and diluted with 10% Dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO). P. odorata (L.) leaf extract was highly effective against S. aureus at a concentration of 1,000 mg/mL. Gram-positive bacteria had the lowest MIC and MBC values. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of P. odorata (L.) leaves indicated the presence of antibacterial compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins. In conclusion, P. odorata (L.) leaves which have been widely used in cuisines and traditional medicine also possess the potential to serve as an antibacterial agent.