Antibacterial Activity of Annona Muricata Leaf Extract Against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

The increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional antibiotics has necessitated the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly from medicinal plants. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of Annona muricata (soursop) leaf extract against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and saponins (absent in aqueous extract). Using agar well diffusion methods, ethanolic and aqueous extracts demonstrated dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with ethanolic extract showing greater efficacy. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the ethanolic extract were 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml respectively while the acqueous extract recorded higher values at 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml. the findings suggest that Annona muricata leaves possess potent antibacterial properties and may serve as a natural source for the development of new antimicrobial agents. Keywords: antibacterial activity, antibiotic resistance, Annona muricata (soursop), S. aureus, E. coli, MIC and MBC.