Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

Homalomena philippinensis Rhizome, Antimicrobial Agent, Soxhlet Extraction, Oil Extract

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when medications lose their efficacy against pathogens, posing a significant threat to public health and the effectiveness of modern medicine. This study aims to explore the potential of Homalomena philippinensis, a plant endemic to the Philippines, as an antimicrobial agent against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Oil was extracted from the rhizomes of Homalomena philippinensis using Soxhlet extraction. The resulting oil was assessed for phytochemicals commonly found in the Homalomena species, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Its antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) through microbroth dilution with a 96-well plate. The disk diffusion method revealed that the oil extract and a solution of oil extract with DMSO created zones of inhibition measuring 1.17 cm and 1.23 cm, respectively. In comparison, vancomycin produced a zone of inhibition measuring 2.97 cm. These results suggest that the oil extract has the potential to inhibit the growth of MRSA. To further assess the efficacy of the oil extract, the MIC assay was conducted. The MIC assay showed that both 10% and 1% of the oil extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against MRSA, making 1% of the oil extract the minimum inhibitory concentration. The results stipulate that the species Homalomena philippinensis possesses an antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting its potential as a viable source of novel antimicrobial agents.

First Advisor

Walter Aljohn T. Espiritu

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