Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Phytochemical Profiles of Ethanol and n-Hexane Extracts from the Roots of Ixora coccinea Linn

Orlu, Happiness Adaekwu

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port-Harcourt, P.M.B 5080, Nigeria.

Ajoko Imomotimi Timipa *

Department of Chemical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Don-Lawson D. Chioma

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port-Harcourt, P.M.B 5080, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

The root extracts of Ixora coccinea were evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antibacterial activity, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine the levels of terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to confirm the presence of bioactive components in the extracts under different solvent systems, followed by antibacterial susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method. The MIC was determined through serial dilution to identify the lowest concentration that inhibited bacterial growth. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanol extract contained 14.80% flavonoids, 6.00% alkaloids, 1.20% saponins, 1.80% terpenoids, and 0.03% tannins. In contrast, the n-hexane extract had higher terpenoid content (3.40%) but lower flavonoids (5.20%) and alkaloids (2.10%). Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis under varying solvent systems showed different Rf values, with the ethanol extract displaying more diverse spots, indicating a richer variety of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial susceptibility tests revealed that the ethanol extract produced larger inhibition zones (10 ± 0.4–28 ± 1.0 mm) than the n-hexane extract (6 ± 0.2–26 ± 0.8 mm). MIC results indicated that ethanol extract inhibited E. coli and S. aureus at 50 mg/L and B. subtilis at 25 mg/L, while the n-hexane extract required 100 mg/L for effective inhibition. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the plant possesses significant antibacterial potential, warranting further research to isolate and characterize the specific phytoconstituents responsible for the observed antimicrobial activities.

Keywords: Ixora coccinea, phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, bacillus subtilis, minimum inhibitory concentration


How to Cite

Adaekwu, O. H., Timipa, A. I., & Chioma, D.-L. D. (2024). Comparative Study of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Phytochemical Profiles of Ethanol and n-Hexane Extracts from the Roots of Ixora coccinea Linn. Journal of Applied Chemical Science International, 15(2), 36–45. https://doi.org/10.56557/jacsi/2024/v15i28950

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