Antibacterial Activity of <i>Tridax procumbens</I> (Tridax Daisy Leaf) Extracts on Selected Ocular Bacterial Isolates

Abstract

Tridax procumbens (Tridax Daisy Leaf) is a flowering plant known to have medicinal value. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of T. procumbens against selected ocular bacterial isolates. This study prospective clinical and laboratory study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Bacteria swabs were collected from patients who presented with bacterial conjunctivitis at the Department of Optometry Eye Clinic, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria and transported to the Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria for culturing and identification of microorganisms. The mean zones of inhibition with the 100 mg/ml ethanolic extract concentration of T. procumbens were 18.48 ± 0.21 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 17.63 ± 0.38 mm against Streptococcus viridans, 15.88 ± 0.43 mm against Escherichia coli, and 16.88 ± 0.43 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the 100 mg/ml aqueous extract concentration of T. procumbens, the mean zones of inhibition were 7.60 ± 0.25 mm against S. aureus, 8.45 ± 0.26 mm against S. viridans, 4.45 ± 0.26 mm against E. coli, and 2.83 ± 0.12 mm against P. aeruginosa. With 100 mg/ml concentration of Ciprofloxacin, the mean zones of inhibition were 29.25 ± 0.48 mm against S. aureus, 24.18 ± 0.12 mm against S. viridans, 27.60 ± 0.24 mm against E. coli, and 24.85 ± 0.30 mm against P. aeruginosa. At 100 mg/ml, ciprofloxacin showed a significantly higher zone of inhibition (p < 0.05). T. procumbens showed antibacterial activity against selected ocular bacterial isolates, highlighting its potential as an alternative ophthalmic medication for the treatment of ocular bacterial infections.