In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Potential of Crude Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Seed Extracts Against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia

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ABSTRACT

Infectious diseases remain a significant global health challenge despite the discovery of antibiotics, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. This has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents, particularly plant-derived bioactive compounds, which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial efficacy of crude extracts from Tamarindus indica seeds against two clinically relevant pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, given the plant’s extensive ethnomedicinal applications. The seeds were subjected to maceration using acetone and ethanol as extraction solvents, yielding crude extracts that were tested at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/mL via the disk diffusion method. Tetracycline (2.5 mg/mL) and Tween 20 (1 mL) served as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results revealed that neither the acetone nor ethanol extracts exhibited inhibitory effects on S. aureus or K. pneumoniae at any concentration tested. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between the crude extracts and the negative control (P = 1.00), whereas a highly significant difference was observed compared to the positive control (P = 0.00). These findings suggest that Tamarindus indica seed extracts, under the tested conditions, lack antibacterial activity against the selected pathogens. However, given the variability in phytochemical composition influenced by extraction methods and solvents, further investigations involving different plant parts, broader microbial strains, and alternative extraction techniques are warranted to conclusively determine their antimicrobial potential.

Significance of the Study:
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates alternative treatments, such as plant-derived antimicrobials. Tamarindus indica seeds, traditionally used in medicine, were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Though no antibacterial activity was detected, the study highlights the impact of extraction methods on efficacy. It emphasizes the need for standardized phytotherapeutic research and further exploration of tamarind’s bioactive compounds, guiding future investigations into plant-based antimicrobial solutions.

Summary of the Study:
This study evaluated Tamarindus indica seed extracts (acetone/ethanol, 100-300 mg/mL) against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae using disk diffusion. No inhibition was observed, with no significant difference from the negative control (P = 1.00). Results suggest tamarind seeds lack antibacterial activity under tested conditions but warrant further study with varied methods, solvents, or synergistic combinations to confirm their potential as antimicrobial agents.