Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extract of Smooth Agave (Agave desmettiana)

Abstract

The genus Agave (Asparagaceae) comprises numerous species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and traditionally used for medicinal purposes. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, proximate composition, elemental composition, and antimicrobial activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Agave desmettiana. Phytochemical screening of Agave desmettiana revealed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, resins, and phenolic compounds. Proximate analysis indicated a low moisture content (2.0%) and lipid content (2.3%), while ash content was 15.6%. Elemental composition analysis showed carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen contents of 32.46%, 4.32%, and 2.73%, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract was evaluated against selected multidrug-resistant and pathogenic microorganisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter jejuni, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the methanolic extract was 25 µg/mL for all tested organisms, except Helicobacter pylori, which exhibited an MIC of 12.5 µg/mL. The corresponding minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) was 50 µg/mL for all organisms, except H. pylori, which showed an MBC of 25 µg/mL the results of this study suggest that Agave desmettiana possesses significant antimicrobial potential and may serve as a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents, warranting further pharmacological and toxicological investigations.