Abstract:
Cordia africana Lam., a plant native to Africa, has been traditionally used for various medicinal
purposes, including the treatment of infections and gastrointestinal ailments. The
pharmacological potential of this plant is attributed to its rich content of secondary metabolites,
such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides, which exhibit a broad spectrum of
biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The
primary objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and
antibacterial activity of Cordia africana seed extracts, thereby providing scientific validation for
its traditional medicinal uses and exploring its potential as a source of natural antibacterial
agents. Methanol extracts of Cordia africana seeds were prepared to isolate polar compounds
like flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Phytochemical analyses were conducted using Thin
Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to confirm
the chemical diversity of the extracts. UV-visible spectrophotometry was employed to assess
potential bioactivity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was utilized to
identify 1-pentanol, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, and long-chain alcohols compounds.
The antibacterial activity of the seed extracts was evaluated against common pathogens,
including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, and Bacillus species, using
standard microbiological assays. The methanol extracts were found to be rich in polar
compounds, notably flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, suggesting their suitability for
antibacterial activity. TLC and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the chemical diversity of these
extracts, while UV-visible spectrophotometry highlighted their potential bioactivity. GC-MS
analysis identified several key bioactive compounds, such as 1-pentanol, 4-hydroxy-3
methoxybenzaldehyde, and long-chain alcohols, known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and
anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial assays demonstrated 16.33 ± 1.17 and 16 ±1.42
antibacterial effects of Cordia africana seed extracts, particularly against Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus. These findings support the traditional medicinal uses of Cordia africana
and underscore its potential as a source of natural antibacterial agents.
