Investigation into the Antimicrobial Potentials and Phytochemical Composition of Cassia Siamea

The rise in antibiotic-resistant pathogens poses a serious global health threat, necessitating the search for alternative therapies. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential and phytochemical constituents of Cassia siamea, a medicinal plant traditionally used across various cultures for its healing properties. Crude extracts from the leaves and stem bark were prepared using methanol and aqueous solvents, then tested for antimicrobial activity against three significant pathogens: Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and phenols, with flavonoids and glycosides strongly present in both plant parts. Alkaloids, anthraquinones, and terpenoids were absent. Antimicrobial testing using the well diffusion method showed measurable zones of inhibition in all extracts, with aqueous leaf extract displaying the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus (15.00 mm). Conversely, methanolic stem bark extract demonstrated significant activity against Streptococcus pyogenes (14.00 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.00 mm), while aqueous stem bark extract showed minimal effect. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results corroborated these findings, with the lowest MIC values observed for aqueous leaf extract against S. aureus and S. typhi (2.5 mg/ml). The observed antimicrobial activity is likely due to the synergistic effects of bioactive compounds, which may disrupt microbial cell membranes or inhibit critical metabolic functions. This research affirms the therapeutic potential of Cassia siamea and highlights its promise as a source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly in regions with limited access to conventional pharmaceuticals. The findings support further investigation and possible development of phytomedicine based on this species.