Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of ananas nanus (dwarf pineapple) extracts / Faaizun Asyikin Sahmenan

For so many years, multiple resistances in human pathogenic microorganism have
increased due to unselective used of antibiotic drugs in order to treat infectious
diseases. The objectives of present study were to determine the phytochemical
compounds of Ananas nanus by performing phytochemical screening test using
methanol and hexane and to determine the antimicrobial activity of Ananas nanus
against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella
pneumonia. Phytochemical screening showed presence of terpenoids, alkaloids and
Quinones for both leaf and fruit of Ananas nanus while glycosides only present in
the fruit. Antimicrobial activity was done by using disc diffusion method with
different types of concentrations and solvent. Methanolic extracts produced
inhibition zones in all concentrations and the higher number of concentration, the
larger the inhibition zone, while hexane extract gave negative result for all
concentrations. The antimicrobial activity of standard antibiotic gentamycin was
studied in comparison with the leaf extraction. The ability of the crude leaf extract
of Ananas nanus to inhibit the growth of bacteria was an indication that this species
may have antimicrobial potential that can be engaged in the management of
microbial infections.