ABSTRACT
This study delves into the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of Senna alata and its efficacy against skin infection-causing organisms, particularly in comparison to synthetic antibiotic drugs amidst organism resistance. S. alata, known as Candle brush or Candlestick, is a traditional medicinal plant originating from Argentina, renowned for treating various skin ailments. Its extracts, rich in phytochemicals like terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols, exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. The research investigates S. alata's effectiveness against resistant skin pathogens, demonstrating significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, despite their resistance to synthetic antibiotics. This highlights S. alata as a promising alternative for managing skin infections, with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, thus contributing to combating antimicrobial resistance and improving patient outcomes. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts displayed high inhibition zones against tested pathogens, although some organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp., exhibited resistance to common antibiotics. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined for both extracts. The study underscores the importance of exploring natural remedies like S. alata in the fight against antibiotic-resistant skin infections, suggesting further research to identify specific bioactive components and optimize formulations for clinical use.
