Antimicrobial properties of the acetone leaves and stems extracts of Clinacanthus nutans from three different samples/areas against pathogenic microorganisms
Clinacanthus nutans is the native medicinal herbs that grow in tropical climate, mainly can be found in Malaysia and Thailand. Clinacanthus nutans is used to boost immunity and for detoxification. It is claiming to promote bowel movement and other health promotions, such as skin care, diuresis and cancer (such as lung, ovary, uterine, prostate, nasopharyngeal and breast). This study focused on the effects of solvents towards antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of C. nutans (Belalai Gajah/ Sabah Snake Grass) leaves and stems. Freeze-dried leaves and stems were homogenized before testing its antimicrobial properties. The 70% acetone (Merck, Germany) was prepared by dissolving fine powder of C. nutans in 1:10 solvent ratio with 70% acetone using ultrasonic extraction for 1 h in an ultrasonic bath (Soniclean, Thebarton, Australia). Ten bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella boydii, Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidemidis) and four fungi (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus stolonifer and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were used in the antimicrobial study employing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal microcidal concentration (MMC) methods. The data obtained were statistically analysed using SPSS Inc. Version 22 (Chicago, USA). The MIC values of acetone extracts for the selected bacteria and fungi ranged between 6.25 – 100.00 mg/ mL while the MMC values of acetone extracts for the selected bacteria and fungi were between 25.00 >100.00 mg/ mL. Recommendation on phytochemicals investigation should be conducted to determine the potential of compounds toward antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.