*Corresponding Author: Mr.Sarath kumar R Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Auto), (Affiliated to
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti) Tirunelveli 627012, Tamil Nadu. India, Email: [email protected]. 136
International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences
ISSN: 2455-9571
Volume 10, Issue 4, pp: 136-146, 2025
http://www.ijzab.com
https://doi.org/10.55126/ijzab.2025.v10.i04.013
Research Article
ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTUS LAM.
EXTRACT AGAINST NOSOCOMIAL PATHOGENS
1
*
Sarath kumar R
,
2
Raja P,
1
Balagangatharan P,
3
Rajesh S
Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), (Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University,
Abishekapatti) Tirunelveli 627012, Tamil Nadu. India
Article History: Received 27
th
May 2025; Accepted 29
th
June 2025; Published 31
st
July 2025
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extracts against antibiotic-resistant clinical
isolates of human pathogens. Nosocomial infection is a growing global health concern, necessitating the exploration of
alternative treatments. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections but in recent years, clinical strains of bacteria show
antibiotic resistance. A. hirsutus, traditionally used for treating infections, was evaluated for its antibacterial properties.
Leaf extracts were prepared using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol, tested against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus,
Enterococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp, and Enterobacter sp. The ethanol extract demonstrated
significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 9.33±1.15 mm against S. aureus to
16.33±1.15 mm against E. coli. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis identified various bioactive compounds,
including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which likely contribute to the observed antimicrobial effects. FTIR
analysis further confirmed the presence of functional groups associated with antimicrobial activity. Toxicity studies using
Zebra fish indicated a favourable safety profile for the extracts, with LC
50
values of 438.25 ppm for ethyl acetate and
426.53 ppm for ethanol extracts. These findings suggest that A. hirsutus could serve as a promising source for developing
new antimicrobial agents to combat resistant bacterial strains. Future research focused on isolating active compounds and
exploring synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Artocarpus hirsutus, Antimicrobial activity, Phytochemical screening, Toxicity.
INTRODUCTION
A nosocomial infection, also known as a hospital-acquired
infection (HAI), is an infection that is acquired in a hospital
or other healthcare facility. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other
pathogens can cause these infections. Nosocomial
infections can have serious consequences, including
increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Preventing these infections is essential to ensuring patient
safety and improving healthcare outcomes. Antibiotic
resistance has evolved into a critical emergency in public
health in the 21st century. (Aslam et al., 2021). The
excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare
has accelerated the development of resistant bacterial
populations and undermined standard treatment protocols
(Friedman et al., 2016). This global health challenge is
even more challenging due to a major slowdown in
antibiotic innovation without the emergence of a critical
new class of antibiotics for over 30 years (Lubrano et al.
(2025). Health organisations around the world, including
WHO, have highlighted antibiotic resistance as a
fundamental threat, which could lead to an era where daily
infectious diseases are not treated. (Munita and Arias
2016). Traditional healing systems have long used the
antibacterial properties of different plants for the treatment
of infectious diseases for centuries. Artocarpus hirsutus
(Wild Jack) has developed as a particularly promising
medicine. (Meenu et al., 2022). Artocarpus hirsutus was
prominently found in the Western Ghats of India, the plant
has traditionally been used to treat conditions such as skin
infections, ulcers and joint pain (Suma, 2021). Modern
scientific research is beginning to underpin these historical
applications. It shows that A. hirsutus extracts have strong
antibacterial effects against many bacterial tribes, including
those resistant to traditional antibiotics. This test assesses
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
www.ijzab.com 137
the efficacy of traditional antibiotics and Artocarpus
hirsutus. The study will examine jack fruit as a potential
alternative treatment. (Meenu et al., 2022). Through a
combination of clinical data and laboratory analysis, this
study examines the effectiveness of A. hirsutus extracts
against resistant microorganisms, contributing to the
development of innovative clinical treatment approaches.
(Meenu et al., 2021). This result has a significant impact on
strategies and clinical protocols for public health, and could
provide a practical solution to the escalating challenges of
antibiotic resistance to infection acquired in municipalities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sample collection
A total of 150 samples were collected from patients,
healthcare environments, and healthcare workers during the
rainy season in Tirunelveli district health care and
hospitals. The samples included ear swabs, sputum, stool,
urine, wound pus, and from surfaces, equipment, or air in
healthcare settings to ensure comprehensive
microbiological surveillance. All samples were processed
within 30 minutes to ensure sample integrity. Sterile
containers were maintained to prevent contamination,
crucial for accurate microbiological analysis. (Leal et al.,
2016). Pathogens isolated include Pseudomonas sp,
Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp,
Enterococcus sp, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Media Preparation and Culturing
Sterilization was performed using an autoclave at 121°C for
120 minutes to ensure the elimination of all
microorganisms. Pathogens such as Klebsiella sp, and
others were cultured by streaking them on solid agar and
incubating them, resulting in the observation of isolated
colonies. This critical step facilitated colony isolation and
subculturing on Blood and MacConkey agar, which were
incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The spread plate method
was used for bacterial isolation, a technique crucial for
accurate sample analysis in microbiological research
(Karimi-Maleh et al., 2021).
Isolation and Screening
Bacterial strains from isolation samples were inoculated
onto Blood and MacConkey agars and incubated at 37°C
for 24–48 hours. Colony counts exceeding 10⁵ CFU/mL
indicated bacteria. Gram staining and biochemical tests,
including catalase and indole tests, were used to identify
the isolates, which were stored in an icebox for further
analysis. Species-level identification was based on
morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics
(Kato et al., 2018).
Gram Staining and Biochemical Test
Gram staining and biochemical tests identified bacterial
isolates after 24-hour incubation at 37°C. Pure cultures
were stored for further analysis (Moyes et al., 2009).
Antibiotic susceptibility test
Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted following
standardized protocols, utilizing the Kirby-Bauer disk
diffusion method to assess the efficacy of specified
commercial antibiotics. These included Streptomycin (10
mcg), Ampicillin AMP (10μg), Tetracycline (10 mcg),
Chloramphenicol (10 mcg), Kanamycin (30 mcg),
Gentamycin (10 mcg), Neomycin (30 mcg), Nalidixic Acid
NA (30 mcg). The tests were performed on Mueller-Hinton
agar plates inoculated with isolated pathogens. Post-
incubation, plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours to
determine resistance patterns. (Patel et al., 2019)
Plant Collection and Extract Preparation
Artocarpus hirsutus leaves were collected in
Padmanabhapuram, Latitude 8.239125 and Longitude
77.337635, Kaniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. The
plant was identified by the facility at Xavier Research
Foundation, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu. The leaves were
washed with sterile water, stored and dried at 25-30°C until
brittle. They were ground into a fine powder, sieved, and
stored in airtight containers. For analysis, 50 grams of
powder were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, and
ethanol in a Soxhlet extraction for 72 hours. Extracts were
filtered and solvents evaporated to yield concentrated
extracts, suitable for phytochemical and other studies.
(Patel et al., 2016).
Qualitative phytochemical screening
Phytochemical analysis was undertaken to detect bioactive
compounds in the plant extracts. Tests were performed for
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and other
therapeutic secondary metabolites (Dubale et al., 2023).
Spectrometry analysis (GC–MS)
GC-MS analysis identified and quantified plant extract
compounds, revealing bioactive constituents associated
with antibacterial activity (Nabi et al., 2022).
Anti-bacterial activity
The antimicrobial activity of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf
extract such as Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol was carried
out using disc diffusion method (Kamble et al., 2022).
Bacterial suspension (20 µL, 1×10
7
CFU/mL) was
inoculated on MHA agar, followed by placement of 6 mm
sterile paper disks loaded with 100 µL of extract (5mg/mL).
Disks were placed in wells prepared in agar plates that had
been inoculated with bacterial strains. The plates were
incubated at 35 ± 2 ◦C for 24 h, and the entire process was
conducted in triplicate.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Analysis
FT-IR spectroscopy was performed using a Spectrum-100
PerkinElmer spectroscope on KBr-mixed formulation
extracts, scanning 400-4000 cm⁻¹ at 4 cm resolution to
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
www.ijzab.com 138
identify functional groups and chemical bonds (Kavitha et
al., 2020).
Toxicity analysis
Zebra fish lethality assay was performed to evaluate the
toxicity of plant extracts following the method described by
(JV et al., 2021) with slight modifications. The Zebra fish
toxicity assay was conducted using plant extracts (ethyl
acetate and ethanol) dissolved in DMSO at concentrations
of 1, 10, 100, 500 and 1000ppm, with 30 Zebra fish
fingerlings per concentration tested in triplicate, using
potassium dichromate as a positive control and recording
mortality after 24 hours. LC50 values were determined.
Mortality (%) =
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2007
and SPSS 12 for one-way ANOVA at a 95% confidence
level. P-values below 0.05 indicated significance. LC50
values calculated via linear regression in R software.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Six bacterial strains were identified from samples collected
at healthcare facilities in Tirunelveli city using Blood Agar
and MacConkey Agar media. Staphylococcus aureus
exhibited beta-hemolysis on Blood Agar with no
MacConkey growth due to its Gram-positive nature.
Enterococcus sp showed gamma-hemolysis on Blood Agar
and no MacConkey growth. Klebsiella sp displayed
mucoid, gamma-hemolytic colonies on Blood Agar and
pink lactose-fermenting colonies on MacConkey Agar.
Escherichia coli demonstrated beta-hemolysis on Blood
Agar and lactose fermentation on MacConkey Agar.
Pseudomonas sp showed beta-hemolysis on Blood Agar
without lactose fermentation on MacConkey Agar.
Enterobacter sp formed gamma-hemolytic colonies on
Blood Agar and fermented lactose on MacConkey Agar
(Figure 1). These results highlight distinct colony
characteristics and growth patterns for each bacterium.
Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited
increased antibiotic resistance, with Klebsiella sp being
particularly virulent due to various colonization factors.
The successful isolation of these bacterial pathogens (S.
aureus, Klebsiella sp) from patient samples underscores
their significance in respiratory and urinary tract infections.
The distinctive growth patterns observed on Blood Agar
and MacConkey Agar align with established
microbiological characteristics of these organisms
Kuznetsova et al. (2025). For instance, the beta-hemolysis
exhibited by S. aureus on Blood Agar and its inability to
grow on MacConkey Agar confirms its morphology, Gram-
positive nature and hemolytic properties, consistent with
findings by Al-Byti et al. (2022).
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
www.ijzab.com 139
Figure 1. Clinically isolated of A- S. aureus in wound, B- Enterococcus sp in urine, C-E. coli in motion, D-Klebsiella sp in
sputum, E- Pseudomonas sp in ear swap, F-Enterobacter sp in urine sample on selective media.
The multi-drug resistance displayed by Klebsiella
pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa is particularly concerning
and reflects global trends in antimicrobial resistance (Taha
et al., 2024). These organisms represent critical priorities
for new antimicrobial development. Gram staining and
biochemical assays identified bacterial isolates. Optical
microscopy analysed cell morphology. Tests included
catalase, oxidase, indole, and sugar fermentation to
characterize clinically isolated pathogens. Our investigation
utilizing Gram staining and biochemical assays identified
Klebsiella sp and Escherichia coli as predominant isolates,
both exhibiting rod-shaped morphology. These findings
align with contemporary research by Işıl et al. (2025), who
employed dark-field microscopy with deep learning for
virtual Gram staining. Our results corroborate the seminal
work of researchers who applied similar techniques to
mastitis diagnosis and similarly reported high prevalence of
these rod-shaped pathogens Suzuki et al. (2025). Antibiotic
susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns
among isolated pathogens. E. coli showed resistance to all
antibiotics except gentamycin. Enterococcus sp was
susceptible to chloramphenicol and gentamycin. Klebsiella
sp was resistant to all antibiotics except gentamycin and
neomycin. E. coli exhibited susceptibility only to
gentamycin. Pseudomonas sp was resistant to all the
antibiotics tested and susceptible to streptomycin,
kanamycin, neomycin. Enterobacter sp displayed
especially resistance to tetracycline, kanamycin, and
chloramphenicol but susceptibility to gentamycin and
nalidixic Acid NA.
Table 1. Antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated pathogens in different antibiotic disc.
S. No
Antibiotics disc
S.
aureus
Enterococcus
sp
Klebsiella sp
E.
coli
Pseudomonas
sp
Enterobacter
sp
1.
Streptomycin
R
R
R
R
S
R
2.
Ampicillin AMP
R
R
R
R
R
R
3.
Tetracycline
S
R
R
R
R
R
4.
Chloramphenicol
R
S
R
R
R
R
5
Kanamycin
S
R
R
R
R
R
6.
Gentamycin
S
S
S
S
S
S
7.
Neomycin
S
R
S
R
S
S
8.
Nalidixic Acid NA
R
R
R
R
R
S
R – Resistance; S – Susceptible
Our study's findings on antibiotic susceptibility align with
those of Ersoy et al. (2025) noting that environmental
factors impact resistance levels, using antibiotics like
tetracycline, streptomycin, and gentamicin. Lubrano et al.
(2025) identified E. coli mutations that diminish
susceptibility to these antibiotics. Yakobi et al. (2025)
assessed microbiological methods for testing antibiotic
susceptibility, focusing on doxycycline, ampicillin, and
ciprofloxacin. Phytochemical analysis of Artocarpus
hirsutus leaf extracts using hexane, ethyl acetate, and
ethanol identified various bioactive compounds. Ethanol
was an effective solvent, extracting a broader range of
compounds, like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids,
terpenoids, and phenols. Shanmugapriya et al. (2017), who
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
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documented the presence of various secondary metabolites
of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenols
in the Artocarpus hirsutus ethanolic extract, suggest
potential antimicrobial properties (Vinay Suvarna et al.,
2014).
Table 2. Phytochemical analysis of Atrocarpus hirsutus in hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts.
S.No.
Phytochemical tests
Leaf extracts
Hexane
Ethyl Acetate
Ethanol
1.
Test for Alkaloids
+
+
+
2.
Test for steroids
-
-
+
3
Test for tannins
-
-
+
4
Test for saponins
+
+
+
5
Test for flavonoids
++
+
++
6
Test for carotenoids
-
+
++
8
Test for cardiac glycosides
-
-
+
9
Test for terpenoids
++
+
++
10
Test for phenols
+
++
++
'+' presence '++' strong presence '-' absence
The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
analysis of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extracts, specifically
the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts, revealed a diverse
range of bioactive compounds. Notably, Neophytadiene
was identified as a dominant compound, known for its
potential biological activities. The ethyl acetate extract
showed a modest presence of 3,7,11,15-
Tetramethylhexadec-2-ene, n-Hexadecanoic acid,
Hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, and Phytol. The ethanol
extract revealed a similar chemical profile, with compounds
like butanal 3-methyl, benzene, and 1,3-dimethyl
contributing to its chemical diversity. Additionally,
compounds like 2-methyl-3-propyloxirane and 2,4-di-tert-
butylphenol serve as intermediates in polymer and
pharmaceutical synthesis.
Figure 2. GC-MS chromatogram of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf ethyl acetate extract.
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
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Figure 3. GC-MS chromatogram of of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf ethanol extract.
The GC-MS analysis provided deeper insights into the
specific compounds present in A. hirsutus leaf extracts. The
identification of Neophytadiene as a dominant compound is
significant, as it has been reported to possess antimicrobial
and anti-inflammatory properties Vinothini et al., 2024.
Similarly, the presence of n-Hexadecanoic acid and Phytol
aligns with findings by Mainasara et al. (2019), who
documented these compounds in Artocarpus altilis with
antimicrobial properties. The study of Artocarpus hirsutus
leaf extract's antibacterial activity against clinically isolated
pathogens demonstrated significant efficacy, particularly
with ethanol extracts. These extracts showed broad-
spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-
negative bacteria, with inhibition zones ranging from
9.33±1.15 mm against S. aureus to 16.33±1.15 mm against
E. coli. Ethanol consistently yielded superior antimicrobial
activity across all strains, suggesting the extraction of polar
bioactive compounds.
Table 3. Antibacterial activities of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extract.
Clinically isolated
pathogens
Zone of Inhibition (mm)
Hexane
Ethyl acetate
Ethanol
S. aureus
6.66 ± 1.15
a
9.33 ± 1.15
b
15.66 ± 0.57
c
Enterococcus sp
8.0 ± 2.0
a
12.33 ± 1.15
b
15.66 ± 1.52
c
E. coli
7.1 ± 1
a
14 ± 1
b
16.33 ± 1.15
c
Klebsiella sp
6.6 ± 1.1
a
11.66 ± 1.52
b
13.33 ± 2.08
c
Pseudomonas sp
7.33 ± 0.57
a
10 ± 2.0
b
13 ± 1.0
b
Enterobacter sp
9 ± 1
a
12.66 ±3.2
b
15 ± 0.57
b
Values are means ± SD; The same superscript within the same row indicates no significant difference (p>0.05).
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
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A- Hexane extract B- Ethyl acetate extract C- Ethanol extract D- Negative Control (DMSO)
Figure 4. Antibacterial activity of A. hirsutus against clinically isolated pathogens.
The findings align with traditional medicinal use of A.
hirsutus and highlight its potential in developing new
antimicrobial agents to combat resistance. The significant
antibacterial activity demonstrated by A. hirsutus leaf
ethanol extracts, against clinically isolated pathogens
underscores its potential as a source of novel antimicrobial
agents to findings by Shanmugapriya et al. (2017). The
broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria is particularly significant given the
different cell wall structures and inherent resistance
mechanisms in these bacterial groups. As noted by Early et
al. (2018) the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria
typically presents a formidable barrier to many
antimicrobial agents.
The ability of A. hirsutus extracts to effectively inhibit
both bacterial groups suggests multiple mechanisms of
action or the presence of compounds capable of penetrating
the complex cell wall structure of Gram-negative bacteria.
Interestingly, compounds isolated from Artocarpus hirsutus
bark, such as Cudraflavone C and Artocarpin, play a crucial
role in the antimicrobial activity, superior to
conventional antibiotics, with remarkable resistance to
bacterial adaptation (Meenu et al., 2021 & 2022). The
efficacy against multi-drug-resistant strains such as S.
aureus and Pseudomonas sp is especially promising in the
context of the global antimicrobial resistance crisis. These
findings align with research by Pearce et al. (2021) who
demonstrated the potential of plant-derived compounds to
overcome conventional antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic
analysis of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extract in ethanol
revealed a rich chemical composition Figure 5. The
spectrum exhibited key absorption bands associated with
various functional groups, including aldehydes, alcohols,
esters, and phenols. Notably, a prominent C=O stretching at
1903.09 cm⁻¹ indicated the presence of aldehydes, and
1233.10 cm⁻¹ corresponded to ester and carboxylic acid
groups, respectively.
The C-C stretching observed at 1631.93 cm⁻¹ and 1512.14
cm⁻¹ suggested the presence of alkenes, and the C-H
bending vibrations reflected alkane and alkene
characteristics.
Sarath kumar R et al. Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(4), 136-146, 2025
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Figure 5. FTIR analysis of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf ethanol extract.
The presence of C-N bending and C-H bending further
confirmed the presence of amines and amides in the
sample. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis further
corroborated the chemical diversity of A. hirsutus extracts,
identifying functional groups associated with phenols,
aldehydes, alcohols, and esters. These findings align with
previous spectroscopic studies on Artocarpus species by
Anjeela et al. (2024), who identified similar functional
groups in Artocarpus altilis extracts with documented
antimicrobial activity. The presence of phenolic
compounds, indicated by characteristic FTIR peaks, is
particularly relevant for antimicrobial activity, as phenolics
are known to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit
bacterial enzymes (Lobiuc et al., 2023).
In the Artocarpus hirsutus toxicity study using Zebra fish,
the results indicated that at the lethal concentration of ethyl
acetate extract (LC50: 438.25 ppm at 24 hours), ethanol
extract (LC50: 426.53ppm) at 24 hours. At the highest
concentration of 1000 ppm, mortality rates were 22.2% for
ethyl acetate and 100% for ethanol. Potassium dichromate
served as the positive control. The LC50 value for the
positive control at 24 hours was 15.23 ppm (Table 4). The
toxicity assessment of A. hirsutus extracts using Zebra fish
revealed differential toxicity profiles, with leaf extracts
lethal concentration categorized as low toxic compared to
Potassium dichromate after 24-hour exposure
Table 4. Artocarpus hirsutus extract lethal concentration on Zebra fish.
Sample
LC50 (ppm)
LC90 (ppm)
LC95 (ppm)
Ethyl acetate
438.25
892.64
967.76
Ethanol
426.53
885.53
1000.00
Potassium dichromate
15.23
26. 87
32.46
Figure 6. Lethal concentrations values of Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extracts.
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The toxicity evaluation using Zebra fish provided crucial
insights into the safety profile of A. hirsutus extracts. The
relatively high LC
50
values of ethanol extracts compared to
the positive control suggest a favourable safety margin for
potential therapeutic applications. The higher toxicity of
ethanolic extracts at the maximum concentration (1000
ppm) didn’t show any abnormal behavioural changes,
mortality, and morbidity in the Zebrafish compared to ethyl
acetate extracts likely reflects the greater extraction
efficiency and concentration of bioactive compounds in the
polar solvent, as suggested by JV et al. (2021) in their
comparative toxicity studies. The moderate toxicity of
ethanol extracts is attributed to alkaloids, flavonoids,
terpenes, and phenolic compounds that readily penetrate the
cytoplasmic membrane of Zebra fish, with Artocarpin
known to possess toxicity effects in Artocarpus hirsutus
(Thayumanavan et al.,2022). In contrast, Artocarpus
heterophyllus extracts demonstrated significant non-toxic
and no developmental defects on zebrafish embryos.
(Kusumaningtyas et al.,2021). These findings provide a
preliminary safety framework for future investigations into
the therapeutic potential of A. hirsutus extracts.
CONCLUSION
Artocarpus hirsutus leaf extracts demonstrated significant
antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant clinical
isolates, with ethanol extracts showing broad-spectrum
efficacy. Phytochemical analysis identified bioactive
compounds including neophytadiene, alkaloids, and
flavonoids, validating traditional medicinal use. Clinical
isolates exhibited alarming antibiotic resistance,
emphasizing the need for alternative antimicrobials. Zebra
fish toxicity studies revealed favourable safety profiles.
This study establishes A. hirsutus as a promising natural
antimicrobial candidate against antibiotic-resistant
infections, warranting further clinical evaluation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the DST-FIST
(SR/ST/College-2017/95 C) Govt. of India and the
Department of Zoology, Xavier Research Foundation St.
Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, for the
laboratory facilities.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
The authors declare no conflict of interest
ETHICS APPROVAL
This research did not involve human participants,
animal subjects, or any material that requires ethical
approval.
FUNDING
This study received no specific funding from public,
commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.
AI TOOL DECLARATION
The authors declares that no AI and related tools are used to
write the scientific content of this manuscript.
DATA AVAILABILITY
Data will be available on request
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