Authors : Gladys O. Anyanwu; Joseph C. Uwaezuoke; Kenneth A. Yongabi; Chinyere N. Ohalete; Pauline O. Nnagbo; Maximus C. Korie

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mwjm36y6

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2zx88m62

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr280

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Gastrointestinal infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella dysenteriae represent a growing public health challenge, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial potential, and in-silico binding interactions of Garcinia kola ethanol stem bark extract against these pathogens. The objectives were to identify key bioactive compounds, determine antibacterial efficacy, and assess molecular interactions with target bacterial proteins. Phytochemical screening was performed, and thin-layer chromatography was used to profile the chemical constituents. Bacterial isolates were characterized using cultural, biochemical, and 16S rRNA molecular methods. Antibacterial activity was assessed via zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, while molecular docking studies evaluated binding affinities of extract compounds against bacterial protein targets. Results revealed the presence of saponins, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and phenols, with multiple compounds detected via TLC. The extract exhibited antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of 19.00 ± 1.00 mm to 35.00 ± 0.00 mm at 500 mg/ml, MIC values of 0.07 ± 0.01 to 0.45 ± 0.05 mg/ml, and MBC of 250–500 mg/ml. Molecular docking indicated strong binding of hesperidin, rutin, and ellagic acid (-5.7 to -9.7 kcal/mol) to bacterial proteins. In conclusion, Garcinia kola ethanol stem bark extract exhibits potent antibacterial activity and promising in-silico interactions, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. It is recommended that further in-vivo studies and formulation development be undertaken to explore clinical applications.

Keywords : Garcinia kola, Ethanol Extract, Gastrointestinal Pathogens, Antibacterial Activity, Phytochemicals, Molecular Docking

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