Antimicrobial potentials of different solvent extracted samples from Physalis ixocarpa.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Microbiology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Physalis ixocarpa, commonly known as the tomatillo, is a plant with a history of traditional medicinal use.
• Investigating its phytochemical constituents for potential therapeutic applications is of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Physalis ixocarpa extracts.
• To determine which plant parts and solvent extracts exhibit the most potent inhibitory effects.

Main Methods:

• Disc diffusion assay was employed to test antimicrobial activity.
• Various parts of Physalis ixocarpa (calyx, leaf, fruit, stem) were extracted using different solvents.
• Extracts were tested against a panel of bacteria and fungi at three concentrations.

Main Results:

• Calyx extracts demonstrated broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against most tested bacteria.
• Leaf and fruit extracts showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Stem extracts were effective against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Crude methanolic stem extract and n-butanol fruit extract showed significant inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Crude methanol leaf extract exhibited antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolinifer, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium chrysogenum.

Conclusions:

• Physalis ixocarpa possesses significant antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
• The calyx, leaf, and fruit parts are particularly promising sources of bioactive compounds.
• Further research into the specific compounds and mechanisms of action is warranted.