Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Citrofortunella microcarpa, Ixora coccinea, Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method

Abstract

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis and Bacteroides fragilis continue to evade antibiotic’s biocidal effects, posing significant risks to public health and emphasizing the need for alternative treatment options. This study investigated the synergistic antibacterial potential of Citrofortunella microcarpa (calamansi) and Ixora coccinea (santan)—common Filipino plants with antimicrobial properties previously untested in combination against resistant bacteria. Using an experimental approach, ethanolic extracts from both plants were analyzed using the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion Method. Treatments included individual extracts and a combined formulation, tested against positive and negative controls. Results showed that while individual extracts showcased significant antibacterial activity, the combined treatment showed signs of antagonism rather than synergy. Furthermore, the extracts were significantly less effective than positive controls, suggesting that while C. microcarpa and I. coccinea are viable antibiotics, they do not currently outperform clinical medicines in terms of raw antibacterial activity.

First Advisor

Pauline L. Cueno, LPT, MST

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