ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF Vernonia amygdalina (BITTER LEAF) STEM BARK AGAINST Escherichia coli ASSOCIATED WITH DYSENTERY

Dysentery remains a significant global health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and sanitation. This study investigates the potential antibacterial properties of Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, specifically focusing on the stem bark in aqueous and ethanolic extracts against Escherichia coli, one of the major causative agents of dysentery. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of the extracts was analysed to gain insights into the bioactive components of the plant. This research employed agar well diffusion method and also a range of concentrations (20-40mg/ml) in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts. This study revealed promising results, lowest zones of inhibition measuring 8.2mm and 12.1mm in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively with minimum inhibitory concentration of 10mg/ml and 15mg/ml respectively. These results suggest the potential of bitter leaf stem bark in combating E. coli; a key pathogen associated with dysentery. This study therefore underscores the medicinal potential of Vernonia amygdalina stem bark in the context of dysentery. The observed inhibitory effects against E. coli provide a strong foundation for further research in the pursuit of safe and efficacious treatments for dysentery. This research contributes to the broader field of natural medicine, drug discovery and have a significant impact on global health, especially in regions where dysentery remains a major public health concern.