Antimicrobial Properties of Tiger Nut (Cyperus Esculentus) Extract on Some Clinical Isolates.
Iyevhobu KO, Okparaku SO, Abhulimen AS, Obohwemu KO, Adeji AJ, Mahmud LH, Akhadelor RB, Braimah MN, Abdulazeez B, Alabi OI and Akharo G
Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) has been described as a root tuber. It is from the family Cyperaceae. Cyperus esculentus is a monocotyledonous plant and belongs to the family Cyperaceae. This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) extracts against selected pathogenic bacteria. The aim was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of different solvent extracts (ethanol, hot water, cold water, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and isopropyl alcohol) and to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Clinical bacterial isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Morganella morganii, were obtained from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and identified using standard microbiological techniques such as Gram staining and biochemical tests. Extracts of tiger nut were prepared using standard extraction procedures and tested for antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method. The results revealed that aqueous extracts (hot and cold water) exhibited greater antibacterial activity compared to ethanol extracts. Zones of inhibition were observed notably against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Morganella morganii, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance to all extracts. The MIC values ranged from 50 to 100 mg/mL for susceptible organisms, while MBC values indicated bactericidal effects mainly at higher concentrations. The findings suggest that the antimicrobial activity of tiger nut extracts may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds. In conclusion, tiger nut extracts possess moderate antibacterial activity, particularly in aqueous forms, and could serve as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents. However, further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate their clinical applicability.
