The Leaves and Seeds of Vigna subterranean (Bambara Nut) Inhibit the Growth of Selected Bacterial and Fungal Organisms

Abstract

With increasing resistance of bacterial organisms to conventional antibiotics, it is crucial that alternative therapies are produced to combat this menace. One plant that has gathered the attention of researchers in recent time as a potential medicinal plant is Bambara nut (Vigna subterranean). Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the antimicrobial properties of Vigna subterranea, commonly known as the Bambara nut, as a potential alternative to synthetic antibiotics amid rising resistance levels. The study employed an in vitro experimental design, utilizing the agar well diffusion method for qualitative assessment and the broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of extracts from the seeds and leaves of the plant. The findings reveal that both the leaf and seed extracts possess significant antimicrobial activities against various pathogens, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The comparison of the results from both extracts showed that the leaf extract has a higher antibacterial effect than the seed extract. However, for the antifungal activity, whereas higher antifungal activity was seen in the leaf extract based on zones on inhibition, the MIC result of the seed extract was better. Chemical analysis identified phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which are known to contribute to the observed antimicrobial activity. This shows that extracts from Vigna subterranea possess significant antimicrobial potential, with higher potency seen in the leaf extracts. This means that the components of this plant could be developed as natural alternatives to combat AMR. In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of further research into plant-based antimicrobials, which may provide sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of drug resistance in clinical settings.