Xylopia aethiopica and Clarithromycin: A Synergistic Approach Against Cholera

Authors

U. F. Onwuasoanya , I. H. Iheukwumere , C. M. Iheukwumere , B. C. Unaeze , D. J. Okongwu , O. Abba , V. E. Ike , P. A. Nnagbo , C. A. Mere

DOI:

10.54117/ijbab.v2i1.127

Published:

2026-02-13

Issue:

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Volume

Keywords:

Vibrio cholerae, Xylopia aethiopica, Antimicrobial activity, Clarithromycin, Combination therapy, Phytochemical constituents

Articles

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How to Cite

Onwuasoanya, U. F., Iheukwumere, I. H., Iheukwumere, C. M., Unaeze, B. C., Okongwu, D. J., Abba, O., Ike, V. E., Nnagbo, P. A., & Mere, C. A. (2026). Xylopia aethiopica and Clarithromycin: A Synergistic Approach Against Cholera. IPS Journal of Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2(1), 112–121. https://doi.org/10.54117/ijbab.v2i1.127

Abstract

Vibrio cholerae is a significant pathogen responsible for cholera outbreaks worldwide. The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains has necessitated the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to characterize V. cholerae isolates and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Xylopia aethiopica extract against these isolates, alone and in combination with clarithromycin. V. cholerae isolates were characterized using cultural, morphological, and biochemical tests. Molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The phytochemical constituents of X. aethiopica extract were analyzed, and its antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Three V. cholerae isolates (VCC6, VCP2, and VCE7) were identified, exhibiting characteristic cultural, morphological, and biochemical features. The X. aethiopica extract contained alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids. The ethanolic extract (EEX) showed higher inhibition zones against the V. cholerae isolates compared to the aqueous extract (AEX). The combination of X. aethiopica extract with clarithromycin (CLA) showed enhanced antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 19.30-27.60 mm. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in inhibition zones (p < 0.05). The study suggests that X. aethiopica extract has antimicrobial activity against V. cholerae isolates, and its combination with clarithromycin enhances the inhibitory effect. This study provides valuable data on the antimicrobial activity of X. aethiopica extract against V. cholerae isolates, highlighting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent against cholera.

Author Biographies

U. F. Onwuasoanya, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.

I. H. Iheukwumere, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

C. M. Iheukwumere, Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

B. C. Unaeze, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria

D. J. Okongwu, Department of Chemistry, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe.

O. Abba, Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State.

V. E. Ike, Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria.

P. A. Nnagbo, Department of Microbiology, Imo State University, Owerri.

C. A. Mere, Department of Biochemistry, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus.