PHYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY, AND IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT BACTERIA AND TRICHOPHYTON RUBRUM

Abstract

Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance poses a global health threat, prompting exploration of plant-derived alternatives. Cassia occidentalis is traditionally used for infections, yet its efficacy against resistant pathogens remains underexplored. In this research work, methanolic and ethanolic leaf extracts of Cassia occidentalis were prepared and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. An agar well diffusion antimicrobial assays (against MDR Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichophyton rubrum) was conducted accordingly. These was followed by GC-MS analysis, SwissADME pharmacokinetic prediction, and molecular docking against resistance proteins. The results obtained shows that, both extracts contained flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, and phenols. Concentration-dependent inhibition was observed, with methanolic extract showing zones up to 25 mm against S. aureus and bactericidal effects at 200 mg/mL against all bacteria (fungistatic against T. rubrum). GC-MS identified 32 compounds, including α-estradiol, norbuprenorphine, and fatty acid esters. Several compounds exhibited favorable ADMET profiles and strong docking affinities (e.g., −6.65 kcal/mol to MexA). In conclusion, C. occidentalis leaf extracts demonstrate promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, supporting ethnomedicinal use and potential as resistance-modulating agents