Phytochemical Screening of Artocarpus odoratissimus (Marang) Seed Extract and Its Antimicrobial Potential against Staphylococcus aureus & Escherichia coli

Aims: Artocarpus odoratissimus, often called locally as "Marang," is well-known in the Philippines for its economic and nutritional value. No phytochemical studies have been conducted on Artocarpus odoratissimus cultivated locally in Davao City. The purpose of this study is to establish an initial chemical profile of the species by examining the secondary metabolites found in Artocarpus odoratissimus seed ethanol and methanol extract and determining their antimicrobial activity against selected soil microorganisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Study Design: Laboratory experiments were conducted at San Pedro College, Davao City, to assess the qualitative phytochemical components and antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic and methanolic extracts of A. odoratissimus against selected soil bacteria.

Place and Duration of Study: At San Pedro College, the study was conducted in the science laboratories between December 2022.

Methodology: Seed extracts were prepared using ethanol and methanol solvents through maceration techniques. Standard methods were employed to identify the presence of various phytochemicals qualitatively. The disc diffusion method was utilized to assess the effectiveness of the extracts against specific bacterial strains, including E. coli and S. aureus. The extent of inhibition zone formation was measured to determine the antimicrobial potential.

Results: Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in Artocarpus odoratissimus seed extracts, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the seed extracts exhibited limited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as determined by the zone of inhibition assay.

Conclusion: Seed extracts from Artocarpus odoratissimus showed promise due to the presence of health-promoting compounds. While initial tests against bacteria were limited, further research can improve extraction methods and explore how these compounds work together for broader antibacterial effects. Future studies should also precisely measure the compounds, test against more bacteria, and explore potential uses based on the extract's profile.