GC-MS Analysis, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Ethyl Acetate Leaf Extract of Senna singueana (Delile) Grown in Kenya

Bacterial diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. During bacterial diseases, an elevation of host immune response occurs, which involves the production of free radicals in response to the bacterial infection. The overproduction of free radicals in excess of the antioxidants leads to oxidative stress. Conventional antibiotics are linked to side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions in addition to bacterial pathogens developing resistance against them. Artificial antioxidants are said to be carcinogenic. This study sought to confirm folklore use and validate the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of <i>Senna singueana</i> which has been widely used in the Mbeere community. The <i>in vitro</i> antibacterial potentials of the plant extract were investigated on <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> ATCC 21332<i>, Escherichia coli</i> ATCC 25922, <i>Salmonella typhi</i> ATCC 1408, and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> ATCC 25923. Ciprofloxacin (100 <i>µ</i>g/ml) drug was used as a standard reference, whereas 5% DMSO was used as a negative reference. The antibacterial tests included disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. <i>S. singueana</i> ethyl acetate extract showed broad-spectrum potential against tested bacterial microbes producing mean zones of inhibition (MZI) from 07.67 ± 0.33 to 17.67 ± 0.33 mm. The extract demonstrated a greater effect on Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Antibacterial properties of ciprofloxacin were significantly greater in comparison to plant extract in all the dilutions (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while 5% DMSO was inactive against all the tested bacteria. MBC values were greater than MIC values. Antioxidant properties of the extract were determined through scavenging effects of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) as well as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay. <i>S. singueana</i> demonstrated effects against all radicals formed. Additionally, the extract exhibited ferric reducing abilities. The extract also contained various phytocompounds with known antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study recommends the therapeutic use of <i>S. singueana</i> as an antibacterial as well as an antioxidant agent.