| dc.description.abstract | In Uganda, bidens pilosa and aloe vera are edible herbs commonly used as a means of first
aid care in cases of open wounds to combat secondary infection. The growing problem of
antibiotic resistance by Staphylococcus aureus which is a common cause of skin and soft
tissue infection demands searching for novel remedies from herbal sources. This study was
aimed at comparing the antibacterial activity of the phytochemicals obtained from Bidens
pilosa and those from Aloe vera on resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Ethanolic extraction
of the phytochemicals and phytochemical screening were carried out to characterize the
phytochemicals in both herbs. Drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated and
inoculated on 30plates. Standardized extracts of both plants were added in wells in
concentrations of 20, 50 and 80%. The plates were incubated for 24hrs and the zones of
inhibition determined. Bidens pilosa contained more phytochemicals than Aloe vera.
Bidens pilosa plant extract exhibited the largest growth inhibition zone at 50%
concentration. There was no inhibition exhibited by Aloe vera. Basing on these findings
phytochemicals obtained from Bidens pilosa have a higher antibacterial activity against
resistant Staphylococcus aureus than the ones from Aloe vera. In the use of herbs to combat
secondary infection by Staphylococcus aureus, Bidens pilosa should be used in preference
to Aloe vera. However, further studies should be carried out to identify the exact
phytochemical responsible for the antibacterial activity of Bidens pilosa | en_US |
