Potency, antibacterial, and antifungal activity of orgasha-formulated herbal extract against selected archived bacterial and fungal isolates at Mengo Hospital Microbiology Laboratory

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major global health challenge, with increasing failure of conventional antibiotics and antifungals. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, in-vitro antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Orgasha-formulated herbal extract against archived bacterial and fungal isolates at Mengo Hospital Microbiology Laboratory. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and steroids. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, while minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by micro-broth dilution. The extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity, particularly against Klebsiella pneumoniae (27 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25 mm), and Escherichia coli (23 mm). Staphylococcus aureus showed moderate sensitivity (23 mm), while antifungal activity against Candida albicans was lower (22 mm). MIC values were 0.625 mg/mL for bacterial isolates and 1.25 mg/mL for C. albicans. These findings demonstrate that the Orgasha herbal extract possesses promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential, especially against Gram-negative bacteria. The formulation may serve as a cost-effective alternative in combating resistant infections. Further in-vivo studies and compound characterization are recommended to validate its therapeutic use.