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Phytochemic al Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Gynandropsis gynandra Against MedicallyImportant Bacterial Isolates

  • Joseph MucumbitsiSchool of Medicine, Adventist University of Central Africa, Kigali, Rwanda,
  • Eric MugaboKigali Medical Center Clinic, Kigali, Rwanda,
  • Liliane MuhimpunduDepartment of Medical Microbiology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya,
  • Isaie KabareGatunda District Hospital, Nyagatare, Rwanda
  • Clarisse MujawamariyaDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, INES Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Sciences, Musanze, Rwanda
  • Themistocles BushoboziSchool of Medicine, Adventist University of Central Africa, Kigali, Rwanda,
  • Yoranda ImurindeSchool of Nursing and Health Sciences, Mount Kigali University, Kigali, Rwanda.
  • Hyacinthe MukashemaDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, INES Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Sciences, Musanze, Rwanda
  • Callixte YadufashijeDepartment of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, INES Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Sciences, Musanze, Rwanda

Abstract

Background: The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have become major public health challenges. Effective alternative treatments are needed, especially medicinal plants.
Objective: This study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Gynandropsis gynandra (ISOGI).
Methodology: Antibacterial activity of Gynandropsis gynandra extracts was evaluated in vitro using the agar well diffusion method. Methanol, petroleum ether, and distilled water extracts of leaves and stems were tested against five clinical bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300, Haemophilus influenzae ATCC9007, Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC4961, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC2785, and Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC700324). Zones of inhibition were measured after incubation at 37°C for 24 hours.
Results: The extract concentrations revealed varied antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300, Haemophilus influenzae ATCC9007, Streptococcus pneumonia ATCC4961, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC2785, and Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC700324 bacteria with respect to the inhibition diameters observed and measured on agar. The maximal antibacterial activity of the leafy material was observed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300 (18.3 mm) and Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC700324 (18.3 mm) in distilled water and petroleum ether, respectively. The maximal antibacterial activity of the stem was observed with methanol extracts, producing a 16.3 mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300. All extracts from the leaves and stems demonstrated comparatively higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC43300 than against the other tested bacterial strains.
Conclusion: Extracts of Gynandropsis gynandra exhibited notable antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella oxytoca. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of this plant and highlight the need for further exploration of medicinal plants as alternative sources of antimicrobial agents.

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): East Africa Science
Section
Original Articles
Published
2026-10-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.24248/r7b2fd71