Natural Antimicrobial Properties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Leaves and Their Potential in Eco-Friendly Agricultural Practices

Abstract

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a widely recognized plant known for its diverse phytochemical profile and traditional medicinal uses. The present study investigates the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of the ethanolic extract of H. rosa-sinensis leaves, which are deep green in color and rich in bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, where the leaf extract exhibited notable activity with an IC₅₀ value of 18.70 µg/mL, compared to the standard (ascorbic acid) IC₅₀ of 6.35 µg/mL. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The extract showed a concentration-dependent response, with higher antibacterial activity observed at 2% concentration compared to 1%. Notably, the extract demonstrated greater inhibition against E. coli, indicating stronger activity against Gram-negative strains. These findings suggest that H. rosa-sinensis leaves possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties and could serve as a promising source of natural bioactive agents for potential applications in sustainable agriculture, such as plant disease management and natural crop protection strategies