PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND IN-VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF ANNONA RETICULATA LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST SKIN CANCER PATHOGEN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Abstract

Cancer arises from the uncontrolled proliferation of genetically altered cells that evade immune regulation and progressively invade surrounding tissues. Skin cancer, the most prevalent malignancy worldwide, is driven largely by UV-induced DNA damage and is increasingly associated with microbial dysbiosis, particularly elevated colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Emerging evidence suggests that S. aureus may contribute to keratinocyte carcinogenesis through strain-specific induction of proinflammatory mediators and growth-promoting factors. In this study, S. aureus isolates were obtained from soil samples and identified through morphological, Gram-staining, and biochemical analyses, confirming typical characteristics of the species. In parallel, leaves of Annona reticulata were processed to obtain aqueous and methanolic extracts, which were subjected to phytochemical screening. The extracts tested positive for flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins—bioactive compounds known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Kirby–Bauer method) demonstrated that the A. reticulata extract inhibited S. aureus growth with a mean zone of inhibition of 11 ± 2.20 mm, compared to 14 ± 3.30 mm produced by ampicillin. These findings suggest that A. reticulata leaves possess measurable antibacterial activity, supporting their potential as a complementary therapeutic source against S. aureus-associated skin infections. Further studies are warranted to isolate active constituents and evaluate their mechanistic effects on skin carcinogenesis.