Recent attention in plant-derived extracts or compounds has risen in response to the spread of antimicrobial resistance and negative side effects associated with synthetic antimicrobials. Euphorbia hirta is a member of Euphorbiaceae family. This work was carried out to assess the antimicrobial activities and phytochemical constituents of leaf extracts of Euphorbia hirta against some microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium species). The antibacterial activity was done using the agar well diffusion technique. Concentrations of 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 400mg/ml were made. Ornidazole and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as positive control and negative control respectively. Antifungal activity was carried out using the agar dilution technique and miconazole and dimethyl sulfoxide (DSMO) were respectively used as positive and negative controls. The result showed that 400mg/ml of the extract consistently showed the highest zone of inhibitions with the highest antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus. The extract also exhibited antifungal activities of varying degrees against the molds. Aspergillus spp and Fusarium spp showed no growth in agar containing 400mg/ml and 200mg/ml. Qualitative phytochemical studies exhibited the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. The findings show that E. hirta extracts have promising antibacterial potential.
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